HISTORIA DE LA COMUNICACIÓN desde sus inicios (prehistoria, papel, imprenta, imágenes, hoy en día)

The History of Communication

Origins of Communication

• The history of communication is intertwined with human history, beginning even before the emergence of Homo sapiens.

• Communication involves transmitting information between beings, utilizing gestures, words, images, symbols, and various signaling systems.

• The need for rapid communication has been essential to human development; early forms include cave paintings compared to modern digital media.

Development of Language

• Language may have originated around 600,000 years ago, predating modern humans by at least 400,000 years and possibly used by other hominids like Neanderthals.

• Early attempts at communication through images (pictograms and cave paintings) date back approximately 70,000 years across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Invention of Writing

• Writing emerged over 5,000 years ago in regions such as Egypt and Sumer; cuneiform writing involved wedge-shaped signs on clay tablets.

• Initially used for accounting purposes before evolving into religious and literary texts; Egyptian hieroglyphics conveyed ideas through symbols.

Evolution of Written Systems

• Western writing evolved in the Mediterranean influenced by cultures like the Phoenicians and Greeks; various materials were used including papyrus and parchment.

• Independent writing systems developed in Mesoamerica around the 3rd century BC with notable complexity seen in Maya script.

Preservation of Knowledge

• The Hellenistic Empire and later Roman Empire expanded communications using scrolls for knowledge preservation; libraries like Alexandria were significant.

• After the fall of Rome in the 5th century AD, knowledge was largely preserved in monasteries until universities began emerging in Europe during the 13th century.

Innovations in Material

• The invention of paper by Chinese innovator Cai Lun facilitated manuscript reproduction; this technology spread to Arabs and then to Europe.

• Gutenberg's printing press revolutionized book production around 1450 with movable type leading to mass publication and access to knowledge.

Impact on Society

• This period dominated by printed publications is referred to as "the Gutenberg Galaxy," highlighting a shift towards widespread literacy.

• Images played a crucial role throughout history; literacy rates improved significantly from about 55.7% in 1950 to over 86% by 2015 due to compulsory education initiatives.

Modern Communication Revolution

• From prehistoric art to photography and cinema in the 19th century, visual media transformed communication methods significantly.

The Evolution of Global Communication

The Rise of Radio and Television

• The emergence of radio and television marked a significant leap in communication, transforming the world into a "global village," a term coined by Marshall McLuhan.

• The launch of communication satellites, starting with Telstar 1 in 1962, enhanced global telephony and enabled live broadcasts of events and news across the globe.

Impact of Satellites on Communication

• Currently, there are approximately 5,000 artificial satellites orbiting Earth; however, over 2,000 are no longer operational.

• The integration of digital technology with space communication has led to rapid advancements in personal computers and sophisticated mobile phones.

The Digital Revolution

• The late 20th century saw the invention and globalization of the Internet alongside various social networks, creating a new communicational landscape.