Page 81 - Communication across Cultures

Chapter 3 Culture’s Influence on Perception

in information transmission. During the process of information transmission, there are
various factors that can contribute to information loss or distortion. These factors in-
clude communication barriers, noise, biases, selective attention, memory limitations,
and the subjective interpretation of the receiver.
Misinterpretation or distortion of information can occur due to factors such as cul-
tural differences, personal biases, language barriers, or the influence of preconceived
notions. Additionally, technical issues, such as poor audio or visual quality, can also
contribute to information loss during transmission.
The claim that 20% of available information is lost or distorted during information
transmission is a commonly cited statistic. However, it’s important to note that the ex-
act percentage can vary and is difficult to quantify precisely across all contexts.
While it is challenging to measure the percentage of information lost or distorted,
it is widely acknowledged that some level of information loss or distortion can occur
during communication. This emphasizes the need for effective communication strate-
gies, active listening, and verification of facts to minimize such distortions and ensure
accurate understanding.
(2) Hearing
Human hearing is the auditory sense that enables individuals to perceive and inter-
pret sounds in the surrounding environment. It allows us to communicate, enjoy music,
detect potential dangers, and experience the rich variety of sounds in our daily lives.
The process of human hearing involves the interaction of the ears and the brain.
Here’s a simplified step-by-step overview:
a. Sound waves are created when an object vibrates, causing air molecules to com-
press and expand.
b. These sound waves enter the outer ear through the ear canal and reach the ear-
drum (tympanic membrane), causing it to vibrate.
c. The vibrating eardrum transmits the sound vibrations to a series of three tiny
bones in the middle ear called the ossicles: the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus), and
stirrup (stapes).
d. The ossicles amplify and transmit the vibrations to the oval window, a membrane
that separates the middle ear from the inner ear.
e. The oval window’s vibrations create fluid motion within the cochlea, a spi-
ral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear.
f. As the fluid moves within the cochlea, it stimulates thousands of hair cells, which
line the surface of the cochlea.

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