Transforming Communication for Peace

Abstract

We interact through communication and the quality of the communication directly affects our relationships. At the same time, the quality of our relationships impacts our communication and so the cycle between these two continues. In conflict situations our communication with others is poor, which feeds into the continued deterioration of our relationships. These destructive processes lead us further away from any potential constructive outcomes and have a direct impact on the social worlds within which we live. In order to change this direction so that we improve the quality of our relationships and social worlds leading to constructive outcomes we need to transform the nature of our communication. This chapter explores communication by looking at the communication we use, specifically the content and process of the communication itself. This differs from traditional ways of looking through communication as a means to an end. The type of communication we will be exploring is dialogue, which shifts the direction of communication from unilateral to bilateral. A way of categorizing the many approaches to dialogue will be offered in helping select the type and form of dialogue most suitable to individual needs. We will be looking at various factors that influence communication both in conflict and non-conflict situations and ways in which we can shift the tone of the communication from conflict to peace. The chapter will conclude with suggestions for ways of sustaining the transformed communication achieved, especially using the coordinated management of meaning.