Which term describes the process of turning messages into symbols?

The process of turning messages into symbols is known as encoding. This involves taking an idea or a concept and transforming it into a form that can be communicated, such as words, numbers, or images. In this context, encoding is essential for effective communication because it allows thoughts and feelings to be expressed in a way that others can understand.

For example, when a person describes their emotions in words, they are encoding those feelings into a symbolic form that can be interpreted by someone else. This is a fundamental part of communication across various mediums, whether it be through writing, speaking, or even non-verbal means like gestures.

In contrast, decoding is the process of interpreting or making sense of those symbols, turning them back into meaningful messages. Transcription refers specifically to the act of writing down spoken words, while summarization involves condensing information into a shorter form without necessarily translating it into symbols. Understanding the distinction between these processes emphasizes the importance of encoding in the initial stages of communication.