Decoding is the process of converting a message in to thoughts by translating the received stimuli in to an interpreted meaning in order to understand the message communicated. It is important to note that it is the message that is transferred, as meaning cannot be transferred from one person to another. The receiver has to assign meaning to a message in order to understand it.
The process of decoding involves interpretation and analysis of a message. Decoding in written communication refers to reading and understanding a written message on the other hand in oral communication, decoding includes listening and understanding. Effective decoding is very important for successful communication as any misinterpretation of a message leads to communication breakdown and creates confusion and misunderstanding.
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