"Decoding" refers to the process by which a person receives signals from an encoder and translates those signals into meaningful messages. "Proper" decoding means that messages sent by the encoder are interpreted in the manner in which they were meant to be conveyed. The point is that such a purpose cannot often be fulfilled because of the decoder's different socio-cultural background. A meaning attached to a word can be different depending on the individuals' experiences and socio-cultural environment or where they were raised. In the field of intercultural communication, one definition of "communication" is that "communication is creation of meaning." In other words, this concept tells you that the word itself does not hold any meanings; however, it is human beings who create them.

In this discussion, share an example of an experience that you had where the meaning of a word was misinterpreted by another person due to differences in cultural backgrounds. Also, discuss strategies that can be used to improve intercultural communications.

Reference

Barnlund, D. C. (1998). Communication in a global village. In M. J. Bennett (Ed.), Basic concepts of intercultural communication. Yarmouth, Maine: Intercultural Press.