Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

2.3 Communication can be digital or analogDigital in the context of communication means that the signs are precisely defined,the meaning is clear and the same for everyone (e.g.: language, letters, numbers orsymbols)A B C $ € @ % á © 8 3 15Analog in this context means that the signs and codes are not clearly defined andindividuals interpret it differently (e.g.: body language/para‐verbal: tone and way ofexpressing). Every nonverbal form of expression is a continuous channel of communication,but how one acts or reacts is seldom consciously realized.The trainer smiles after a comment of a participant without verbally sayinganything. The participant is confused: was the smile confirmation? appreciation? orcontempt?2.4 Communication is symmetric or complementarySymmetric means there is an equal relationship which is mirrored in the way senderand receiver are communicating, e.g.: similar speaking time for each communicationpartner:▷ friends discussing,▷ colleagues exchanging ideas.Complementary means that the behaviour of speaker and listener balance each other,it means that the individuals act differently, but both accept the differences, forinstance: one speaks a lot, the other less. If the communication scheme correspondsto the existing relationship accepted by both, this balance might be expressed in howthey act with each other. The communication partners depend on each other andgenerally accept the differences in their power relations. If one does not accept thedifference the dialogue might escalate:▷ a village chief with his subordinates,▷ the boss of an agency and the ordinary workers,▷ a teacher with her pupils.50 I I . C O M M U N I C AT I O N