Communication – that which befalls us

The nature of communication can be theorized in many different ways, e.g. as ritual, storytelling, deliberation, rational argument, dissemination, articulation, translation, and even failure. In the present article communication is conceptualized as a (dialogic) process of conversation between the subject and the object as the Other; however, this conceptualization goes beyond its treatment as a simple reciprocal exchange of messages. First, a more nuanced and layered understanding of the role of the Other in communication is given; it is described what it means to be existentially bound with the object and engaged with the Other in a conversation as a process of interpretation and signification. Secondly, the importance of time in this process is highlighted; it is argued that communication can be understood more adequately when treated as a process of temporalizing of meaning. And, thirdly, the aporia of communication as conversation is discussed; it is shown how intersubjectivity and reciprocity can be reified and abused. Overall, it is concluded that the nature of communication as a complex process of common human experience calls for other theoretical perspectives.