Which one of the following is a communication barrier?

Semantic distortion is a communication barrier that occurs when the receiver of a message misunderstands the meaning of the message due to the sender's use of ambiguous or unclear language.

 Key Points

• Semantic distortion can happen because of the sender's lack of knowledge of the subject, cultural differences, or the use of jargon.
• It can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and incorrect decision making.
• To avoid semantic distortion, it is important to use clear and concise language, define key terms, and consider the cultural background of the receiver.
• Using technical jargon, euphemisms, or ambiguous language can cause semantic distortion, such as calling a layoff a "restructuring" or using acronyms that are not understood by the audience.

Additional Information

• Other communication barriers include physical barriers such as noise or distance, psychological barriers such as prejudices or biases, and organizational barriers such as hierarchical structures or lack of feedback mechanisms.