Basic Concepts for a Theory of Communication. A View from Symbolic Anthropology

• Published in: Revista mexicana de ciencias políticas y sociales Vol. 50; no. 203; pp. 13 - 52
• Main Author: Bech, Julio Amador
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: 01-05-2008
• Subjects: Anthropology; Communication; Communication Theory; Concepts; Intersubjectivity; Social Anthropology; Symbolism
• ISSN: 0185-1918

In the present article, the author goes through the theoretical proposals, that, from his point of view, are fundamental to develop a theory of communication, from a wide range anthropological perspective. Understanding that the construction of reality is based in a complex articulation of symbolic forms, upon which social life is sustained, he proposes that communication should be comprehended from a perspective that goes beyond a purely instrumental approach to language and the mere structural analysis of sign systems. He parts from the idea that human communication puts into play the totality of culture, that's why he studies the problems implied in the intersubjectivity of communication, the act of speaking, oral communication, non verbal communication, as well, he proposes that material culture and the human relation with landscape constitute, in themselves, fundamental systems of communication. Adapted from the source document.