What is the process of converting meaning into understandable symbols called?

The process of converting meaning into understandable symbols is known as encoding. This is a crucial activity in communication where an individual takes thoughts or ideas and transforms them into a format that can be transmitted to others, which includes language, text, or other forms of symbols.

In the context of communication, encoding is the first step in sending a message. The sender must carefully choose words, phrases, and other symbolic representations to ensure that the intended message is conveyed accurately. Effective encoding is essential for clear communication; if the symbols used do not effectively convey the intended meaning, there can be misunderstanding or confusion.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of the communication process. For instance, decoding involves interpreting or making sense of the symbols that have been encoded by the sender, often performed by the receiver of the message. Communication in general encompasses both encoding and decoding, while deciphering typically refers to interpreting or clarifying messages that may be difficult to understand or that require deeper analysis. Thus, encoding specifically addresses the initial transformation of meaning into symbols, making it the correct choice in this context.