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communications theory

(20th century)

Explanation of human society in terms of communication of meanings.

The existence of social relations and of human society depends on the creation of shared meanings and understandings. These in turn depend on the communication of such meanings amongst people, and in this process language plays a central role. There are many differing accounts of these processes.

Also see: DIFFUSION THEORY

Source:
Allan Bullock, Oliver Stallybrass, and Stephen Trombley, eds, The Fontana Dictionary of Modern Thought, 2nd edn (London, 1988)

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