Nuns take what superiors give (6)
I believe the answer is:
orders
'nuns' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for orders that I've seen before include "Decrees, commands" , "Dictates, decrees" , "the clergy take" , "customer's requests?" , "Sends away for" .)