ASIA ANTIOCH SEMINARY

Master of Divinity – I (2nd Semester, 2023)

Paper Presentation

Subject : Cross-Cultural Communication

Topic : Barrier to Communication
Presenter : Mr. Amos Manglal
Lecturer : Ma’am Leshiini A. Nag
Date : 31st March, 2023

Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Definition of Communication
2. Definition of Barriers to Communication
3. Barriers to Communication
3.1. Environmental Barriers
3.1.1. Time
3.1.2. Place
3.1.3. Medium
3.2. Mechanical Barriers
3.3. Physical Barriers
3.4. Linguistic Barriers
3.5. Psychological Barriers
3.5.1. Inattention
3.5.2. Poor Retention
3.6. Perception Barriers
3.7. Attitude Barriers
3.8. Emotional Barriers
3.9. Cultural Barriers to Communication
3.10. Organisational Structure Barriers
3.10.1. Technological Failure
3.10.2. Time Pressures

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3.11. Behavioral Barriers
3.12. Barriers Related to the Message
3.12.1. Unclear Messages
3.12.2. Lack of Feedback 
3.13. Content Barriers to Effective Communication
3.13.1. Anger or  Frustration
3.13.2. Lack of Confidence
3.13.3. Inappropriate Priorities
3.13.4. Distractions and Interruptions
3.13.5. Rank Differences
4. The Characteristics of Effective Communication
4.1. Clear
4.2. Use of Simple Language
4.3. Coherent
4.4. Active Listening
4.5. Focus And Attention
4.6. Reduction and Elimination of Noise Levels
4.7. Proper Media Selection
Conclusion
Bibliography
Webliography

[2]
Introduction
Communication plays a major role in developing a relationship. It can also affect the
relationship among family members or management in any institute. More specifically,
communication influences the effectiveness of instruction, performance evaluation, and the
handling of discipline problems. What can make it complex, difficult, and frustrating are the
barriers.

In this paper presentation, we will discuss communication, barriers to communication, and

the characteristics of effective to communication.

1. Definition of Communication

The word ‘Communication’ is derived from the Latin root word communis, which
means ‘common’, and from the word communicate which means to share, to impart or to
have something in common. In everyday use, the term, communication means making
common or sharing something by two or more persons or groups of people. Communication
means literally to ‘make common’ that is to create in a receiver’s mind an idea or image like
the one in the mind of the sender.1

2. Definition of Barriers to Communication

When we talk about barriers to communication, he/she refers to ‘noise/sound’ and all
other factors that block, disturb, and interfere with, that causes a message to be
misinterpreted. Any impediments, interference, or restricting the free flow of communication
are called barriers to communication. 2 In common parlance, ‘noise’ is the loudness of sound
that affects oral-aural communication. Psychologists use the term ‘noise’ to refer to all those
factors which blur, distort, interfere with, stop, or otherwise cause a ‘message’ to be
misunderstood or misinterpreted. Noise in communication creates barriers to communication.
Thus, by barriers to communication, we mean any disturbance or interference restricting the
free flow of communication.3

3. Barriers to Communication

1
John Joshva Raja and Margaret Kalaiselvi, eds., Introducing Communication and Media Studies to
Theological Students (Bangalore: BTESSC, 2013), 1.
2
John Joshva Raja, Introducing Communication and Media Studies to Theological Students…, 50.
3
Zubeno Kithan, Introduction to Communication (Kolkata: ESPACE, 2014), 14-15.
[3]
3.1. Environmental Barriers

Environmental barriers take their place when one’s community or environment we

live in does not provide us with full freedom to exercise our rights. These include culture,
religion, politics, social, economic, psychological, biological, and ecological elements, etc.

Example: In politics, whoever controls communication controls the state. A communist state
does not allow freedom of expression or open criticism by its subject.4

Under the environmental barriers, there has been the classification of barriers as follows5:

3.1.1. Time: This is the barrier that is concerned with developing quicker and speedy
channels of communication. For example, when communicating with somebody, if the
process is time-consuming such as mailing letters, then it is a barrier, any kind of
communication whether, it is done in a formal or an informal manner, if it is high time then it
proves to be a barrier and effecting working, individuals need to develop a faster means of
communication such as electronic mail instead of sending letters by post.

3.1.2). Place: The area and environment where the communication is taking place should be
clear and not overcrowded. Noise pollution can be a barrier to effective communication, this
is obvious, where there is noise, there a person cannot efficiently communicate, therefore
places and areas with lesser people, and proper ventilation is required for effective
communication.

3.1.3). Medium: The medium via which the process of communication is taking place should
be effective and appropriate. Communication takes place in various forms; it is oral, written,
audio, video, formal, and informal, the medium used for the purpose of communicating
should be accurate, precise, and understandable.

3.2. Mechanical Barriers

Mechanical barriers can be counted as a breakdown of any equipment that is involved

in communication. The noise in the class by the students may create a problem for
communication; physical problems like deafness could block the reception of
communication. The defective equipment that impedes the smooth flow of messages like the
sudden crash down of a computer while chatting with friends on the internet; the failure of
electricity while

4
John Joshva Raja, Introducing Communication and Media Studies to Theological Students…, 68.
5
Introduction to Communication Theory,
 http://bookfel.org/download/english(2)/communication/Introduction%20to%20Communication%20Theory
(Accessed on 10th March, 2023).
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watching an important program on television; and all such kinds of distortion are counted as
mechanical barriers.6

3.3. Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can occur when the teacher, preacher, or any other public speaker
used excessive body language or incorrect posture or gesture that fail to deliver the message
to the audience. Physical barriers also include noise, closed doors, faulty equipment used for
communication, closed cabin, etc. Sometimes, in a large office, the physical separation
between various employees combined with faulty equipment may result in a severe barrier to
effective communication.7

3.4. Linguistic Barriers

A word carries meaning. Communication may be easily blocked by the inappropriate

usage of meaning.  Language provides an understanding of the content that an individual is
willing to express or communicate with others. When one turns away from the agreed rule of
spelling, and grammar or used individual words that other people do not understand, then it
became a linguistic barrier. For example, if a person talks to you in Japanese and you do not
understand, that means, communication is blocked when the meaning is not connected to the
words used because know the code and its convention.8

3.5. Psychological Barriers9

There are various mental and psychological issues that may be barriers to effective
communication. Some people have stage fear, speech disorders, phobia, depression, etc. All
of these conditions are very difficult to manage sometimes and will most certainly limit the
ease of communication. Physiological barriers to communication are also related to the
limitations of the human body and the human mind (memory, attention, and perception).
Physiological barriers may result from individuals’ personal discomfort, caused by ill health,
poor eyesight, or hearing difficulties.

6
John Joshva Raja, Introducing Communication and Media Studies to Theological Students…, 66.
7
John Joshva Raja, Introducing Communication and Media Studies to Theological Students…, 68.
8
John Joshva Raja, Introducing Communication and Media Studies to Theological Students…, 67.
9
Https:/www.Academia.edu/34850866/barriers_of_communication_2_pdf (Accessed on 14th march
2023).
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3.5.1. Inattention: At times, we just do not listen but only hear. For example, your boss is
immersed in his/her very important paperwork surrounded by so many files on the table and
you are explaining to him/her about an urgent office problem. In this situation, due to the
inattention, the boss will not listen to you (he/she will only hear you); hence, he/she may not
get what you are saying and it may lead to disappointment.

3.5.2. Poor Retention: Human memory cannot function beyond a limit. One cannot always
retain all the facts/information about what is being told to him/her especially if he/she is not
interested or not attentive. This leads to communication breakdown.

3.6. Perception Barriers

When communicating, it is important to understand various perceptions of the

situation or of an issue or a problem. There is a different level of perceptions that are
involved when communicating about a particular topic, condition, problem, issue, situation,
etc. Lacking an understanding of different levels of perceptions may prove to be a barrier. In
order to implement effective communication, it is vital to gain the ‘perception of reality’
which means information about facts, knowledge, figures actually, and what is true. While
communicating, it is important to be open, flexible, and transparent.10

3.7. Attitude Barriers

Certain people like to be left alone. They are introverts or just people who are not
very social. Others like to be social or sometimes extra clingy! Both these cases could
become a barrier to communication. Some people have attitude issues, like huge egos and
inconsiderate behaviors. These employees can cause severe strain in the communication
channel that they are present in. Certain personal traits like shyness, anger, and social anxiety
may be removable through courses and proper training. However, problems like egocentric
behaviors and selfishness may not be correctable.11

10
https://nulab.com/learn/collaboration/overcoming-perceptual-barriers-to-communication/ (Accessed
on 12 March 2023).
11
https://www.toppr.com/guides/business-correspondence-and-reporting/communication/barriers-
in-communication/#Attitude_Barriers (Accessed on 11 March 2023).
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3.8. Emotional Barriers

The emotional IQ of a person determines the ease and comfort with which they can
communicate. A person who is emotionally mature will be able to communicate effectively.
On the other hand, people who let their emotions take over will face certain difficulties. 12A
perfect mixture of emotions and facts is necessary for effective communication. Emotions
like anger, frustration, and humor, can blur the capacities of a person and thus limit the
effectiveness of their communication.13

3.9. Cultural Barriers to Communication

As the world is getting more and more globalized, any large office may have people
from several parts of the world. Different cultures have different meanings for several basic
values of society. Dressing, Religions or lack of them, food, drinks, and general behavior will
change drastically from one culture to another. 14Hence it is a must that we must take these
different cultures into account while communicating. This is what we call being culturally
appropriate. In many multinational companies, special courses are offered at the orientation
stages that let people know about other cultures and how to be courteous and tolerant of
others.15

3.10. Organisational Structure Barriers16

Unclear planning, structure, information overload, timing, technology, and status

difference are the organizational factors that may act as barriers to communication.

3.10.1. Technological Failure: Message not delivered due to technical failure (e.g., the
receiver was not in a mobile network area and the sender has not activated the delivery report
in the message setting).

3.10.2. Time Pressures: Often, in the organization, the targets have to be achieved within a
specified time period, the failure of which may have adverse consequences for the employee.
In a haste to meet deadlines, usually, an employee tries to shorten the formal channels

12
Barriers to Communication, https://www.toppr.com/guides/business/correspondent-and-reporting/
(Accessed on 13 March 2023).
13
https://www.toppr.com/guides/business/correspondent-and-reporting/ (Accessed on 13 March 2023).
14
Barriers to Communication, https://www.toppr.com/guides/business/correspondent-and-reporting/
(Accessed on 13 March 2023).
15
M.A. Adedimeji, Dimension of Communication for Tertiary Institutions (Nigeria: Communication
Culture and Conflict Circle, 2017), 78.
16
Morton Chilongo, Barriers to Communication,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323794732… (Accessed on 12 March 2023).
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of communication which can lead to confusion and misunderstanding among the various
levels of supervisors, hence leading to distorted communication. Therefore, sufficient time
should be given to effective communication.

3.11. Behavioral Barriers

The behaviors like bias, generalizations, and stereotyping can cause communication
barriers. Having these attitudes and not confronting them is not just wrong, it’s bad for
individuals. In the workplace, such attitudes can cost the organization time and money.

Stereotyping occurs when you assume we know something about a person because of
their cultural or social background. Our views may come from a bias you may have against a
particular behavior, appearance, possession, or even a particular geographical area. Our
situation, appearance, and behavior may contribute to other people’s stereotyping views. This
could contribute to communication breakdown.17

3.12. Barriers Related to the Message18

3.12.1. Unclear Messages: Effective communication starts with a clear message. Unclear

messages in terms of meaning, grammar, and words may act as a barrier to communication
because the receiver may not be able to intercept the actual meaning of the message

3.12.2. Lack of Feedback: Feedback is the mirror of communication. Feedback mirrors what
the sender has sent. Without feedback, communication cannot be considered complete. Both
the sender and the receiver can play an active role in using feedback to make communication
truly two-way.

3.13. Content Barriers to Effective Communication19

Content barriers are stated to be the factors that cause hindrances, distractions,

disturbances, or obstacles during the course of the communication process; barriers that

17
Dr. K. Usha Rani, Communication Barriers,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304038097_COMMUNICATION_BARRIERS (Accessed on 12
March 2023).
18
Chilongo, Barriers To Communication, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323794732…
(Accessed on 12 March 2023).
19
C. Smith, The Seven Barriers of Communication, http://guides.co/guide/the-seven-barriers-of-
communication/( Accessed on 19th March 2023).

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occur during the course of the communication process tend to distort, block, alter or
misrepresent the information that is being exchanged between the sender and the receiver.

3.13.1. Anger or Frustration: It is a barrier, the reason being that when an individual is angry
or frustrated than no one shows interest in communicating with people with this kind of an
attitude; the reason for willingness to communicate with angry and frustrated people is that in
these kinds of approaches, people tend to communicate in an inappropriate manner.

3.13.2. Lack of Confidence: When two or more individuals are involved in communication

with each other, it is vital that they are confident and possess the required ability to
communicate; when an individual lacks the confidence, ability to communicate well or get
involved in an oral conversation or written with another, then it is a barrier in the course of
effective communication. Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, and apprehension prove to be
barriers to the course of effective communication.

3.13.3. Inappropriate Priorities: Priority means the state or quality of being earlier in time or
occurrence; when a certain priority arises which is inappropriate then it is a barrier to
effective communication. For example, if a manager has a meeting or a group discussion with
his subordinates and all of a sudden family emergency comes up and he is required to hurry
to his house and is unable to go to the meeting, then a family emergency is said to be an
inappropriate priority during the course of his work.

3.13.4. Distractions and Interruptions: While communicating, there are a number of

distractions that occur for instance, in telephone conversations, disturbances in the line,
when the internet is not working, some kind of noise in the background, people doing
their work, and ringing of the doorbell, people having a meeting and somebody entering the
room without notifying, etc

3.13.5. Rank Differences: When there are differences in the rank of individuals within an
organizational setting, then it is a barrier to effective communication; people who
are subordinates, in other words, they are low in rank do not tend to communicate effectively
with people of the higher rank; they may have a feeling of disparity or would feel
discriminated against. Not only within the organizational structure but also economically
backward sections of the society do not communicate in an effective manner with upper-
class, wealthy individuals; therefore, rank differences prove to be barriers to effective
communication.20

20
C. Woffore Jerry, Eds., Cummunis, Organisational Communication (New York: McGraw-Hill,
2002), 102.
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4. The Characteristics of Effective Communication

Some of the Characteristics of effective communication are listed below:

4.1. Clear: The primary character of any spoken or written form of transmission of
information should be to state the message clearly. There are several ways to do it. For
example, the sentences should be short and simple. We should prefer the active voice over
the passive voice. If we have to convey several messages then it is convenient to state them in
separate bulleted points.21

4.2. Use of Simple Language: While communicating no matter what language, the use of
words should be understandable, clear and simple; usage of complicated words might make
an individual perplexed and such words should be avoided.22

4.3. Coherent: Suppose you are telling a story. What if you start from the middle part? Or
what if you state the end in the beginning? Of course, the whole point of narrating a story
would become vain. Similarly, when you are presenting your communique, you need to be
coherent. You need to understand what goes where and what comes when.

The key to a coherent write-up is a well-planned, logical, and sequential presentation

of the information. The main ideas should be differentiable and they should follow each other
in a way that is derivative of some rules.23

4.4 Active Listening: The receiver should listen to the speaker with awareness and in
a considerate manner; he/she should respond by asking questions, the speaker should always
be aware of the fact that the listener understands everything that he is saying and this
overcomes the barrier to effective communication.24

21
You Need Skills Barriers to Effective Communication. http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/barriers-
communication.html (Accessed on 15th March 2023).
22
C. Smith, The Seven Barriers of Communication, http://guides.co/guide/the-seven-barriers-of-
communication/( Accessed on 19th March 2023).
23
Introduction to Communication Theory,
http://bookfel.org/dowmload/english(2)/communication/introduction%20to%20Communication%20Theory.pdf
(Accessed on 15th March 2023).

24
T. Usman, Barriers to Effective Communication,
http://www.uet.pk/export/sites/UETWebPortal/qec/qec_intro/downloads/Barriers-to-Effective-
Communication.pdf. (Accessed on 16th March 2023).
[10]
4.5. Focus And Attention: Multitasking is the name of the game these days. However, while
receiving or transmitting information, a certain level of focus is essential. Suppose you are in
a star communication channel and are relaying information to multiple sources. You are
replying to emails, sending emails, and answering phones. Any misplaced communication
could be disastrous. Also, while receiving information, if you lose focus, you may miss the
important parts of the message altogether. Hence, we say that focus and attention are very
crucial for effective communication.25

4.6. Reduction and Elimination of Noise Levels: Noise is the most common barrier which

occurs everywhere, for instance, when family members are communicating at home, constant
noise comes from busy neighborhoods at the workplace too while working on the computers,
people may get engaged in informal conversations, hence that leads to the emergence of noise
levels. It is necessary to identify the sources of noise and then formulate measures in order
to eliminate those sources.26

4.7. Proper Media Selection: The medium of communication should be proper; if it is a

simple message or just a minor notice, it can be delivered either through a face-to-face
conversation or through a telephone; information that is complicated and lengthy should be
delivered in a written manner for example, through letters, notices, newspapers or electronic
mail, therefore proper media selection also leads to effective communication.27

Conclusion

Overcoming these barriers to communication is no easy task. It takes great awareness

and willingness to adapt and look at communication from a new perspective. But, if you
begin to focus on how these communication barriers are affecting your everyday
conversation, you will be well on your way to becoming an effective communicator. To have
a free flow of communication, knowing our audience or receiver is a must. Our
communication should make us in common. Therefore, communication is not just only
passing a message or something, our message should always be clear and audible or
understanding to the receiver.

25
A. Zaineb, Barriers to Effective Communication in an Organization and Overcoming it,
http://blog.commonlabindia.com/elarning-design/barriers-to-communication. (Accessed on 12 March 2023).
26
D.K. Berlo, The Process of Communication (New York: Holt, Rinehart &Winston, 1960), 34.
27
T. Usman, Barriers to Effective Communication,
http://www.uet.pk/export/sites/UETWebPortal/qec/qec_intro/downloads/Barriers-to-Effective-
Communication.pdf. (Accessed on 16th March 2023).

[11]
Bibliography

Adedimeji, M.A. Dimension of Communication for Tertiary Institutions. Nigeria:

Communication Culture and Conflict Circle, 2017.
Berlo, D.K. The Process of Communication. New York: Holt, Rinehart &Winston, 1960.
Kithan, Zubeno. Introduction to Communication. Kolkata: ESPACE, 2014.
Jerry, C. Woffery. Eds. Cummunis, Organisational Communication. New York: McGraw-
Hill, 2002.
Raja, John Joshva. Introducing Communication and Media Studies to Theological Students.
Bangalore: BTESSC, 2013.

Webliography

C. Smith, The Seven Barriers of Communication,

http://guides.co/guide/the-seven-barriers-of-communication/( Accessed on 19th March
2023).

Dr. K. Usha Rani, Communication Barriers,

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
304038097_COMMUNICATION_BARRIERS (Accessed on 12 March 2023).

 http://bookfel.org/download/english(2)/communication/Introduction%20to
%20Communication%20Theory (Accessed on 10th March, 2023).
https://nulab.com/learn/collaboration/overcoming-perceptual-barriers-to-communication/
(Accessed on 12 March 2023).

Morton Chilongo, Barriers to Communication,

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323794732… (Accessed on 12 March
2023).

Introduction to Communication Theory,

https://www.toppr.com/guides/business/correspondent-and-reporting/ (Accessed on
13 March 2023).

https:/www.Academia.edu/34850866/barriers_of_communication_2_pdf (Accessed on 14th

March 2023).

T. Usman, Barriers to Effective Communication,

http://www.uet.pk/export/sites/UETWebPortal/qec/qec_intro/downloads/Barriers-to-
Effective-Communication.pdf. (Accessed on 16th March 2023).

You Need Skills Barriers to Effective

Communication. http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/barriers-communication.html
(Accessed on 15th March 2023).

A. Zaineb, Barriers to Effective Communication in an Organization and Overcoming it,

http://blog.commonlabindia.com/elarning-design/barriers-to-communication.
(Accessed on 12 March 2023).

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