Which of the following represents the obstruction in the process of encoding and decoding a message into understandable words due to semantic barriers?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Faulty translations
Option (1) Premature evaluation — Incorrect. This is a psychological barrier. The listener judges the message before hearing it fully, because of a bias.
Option (2) Organisational policy — Incorrect. This is an organisational barrier. A policy that does not allow a free flow of communication blocks it.
Option (3) Faulty translations — Correct. Semantic barriers are problems in turning a message into words and in understanding those words. An order drafted in English may be translated into Hindi for the workers. If the translator does not know both languages well, mistakes creep in and the meaning changes.
Option (4) Lack of attention — Incorrect. This is a psychological barrier. A listener who is busy or worried does not take the message in.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Semantic barriers: … Semantic barriers are concerned with problems and obstructions in the process of encoding and decoding of message into words or impressions. Normally, such barriers result on account of use of wrong words, faulty translations, different interpretations, etc. …” “Psychological barriers: … Some of the psychological barriers are: (i) Premature evaluation: Some times people evaluate the meaning of message before the sender completes his message. Such premature evaluation may be due to pre-conceived notions or prejudices against the communication. “Organisational barriers: … Some of these barriers are: (i) Organisational policy: If the organisational policy, explicit or implicit, is not supportive to free flow of communication, it may hamper effectiveness of communications. …” |