Language and Communication

Language and Communication 

We will define both Language and Communication in a bit! So stick around! 

Lesson 1. Language and Communication

Have you ever wondered the importance of language and communication? Let s define first the meaning of the terms above. Language according to Henry Sweet, an English phonetician and language scholar, stated: “Language is the expression of ideas by means of speech-sounds combined into words. Words are combined into sentences, this combination answering to that of ideas into thoughts.”

Do you know how important a language is?

Definition of Language

Language as conceived of by Chomsky is “a set (finite or infinite) of sentences, each finite in length and constructed out of a finite set of elements” (Chomsky 1957:13). ... Hence, once a string of words or a sentence causes a feeling of wrongness in a native speaker, then it can be classified as ungrammatical.

More on definition of language

Language, a system of conventional spoken, manual (signed), or written symbols by means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture, express themselves. The functions of language include communication, the expression of identity, play, imaginative expression, and emotional release (Britannica).

One more...

From the first definition given above by Henry Sweet, we can deduce that a language is the expression of our emotions. Whatever you feel or think, you tend to express them verbally or non-verbally. Chomsky talks about the finiteness of a sentence that is, the group of words should have been complete in thought, otherwise it will create confusion between the speaker and the receiver. On the third definition above by Birtannica, we can say infer that a language is basically done by human beings as he interacts with others as a member of the society.

With the functions of Language, it is basically used to communicate, to express your identity, imaginative expression, and emotional release etc. Since Language is used in communication, let us now delve deeper to the meaning of communication. Merriam Webster defines communication as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. It means that the exchange of information is called communication. Things to ponder: What is the importance of language and communication? Write your answer in the space provided below.

Lesson 2. Communication Processes, Principles, and Ethics

“If you can communicate, you can get by. But if you can communicate skillfully, you can work miracles.” -- Jim Rohn

From the quotation above we can say that if you have a skillful communication then you have the higher chance for employability when interviewed by an employer. Let us now look at the different communication processes, principles, and ethics.           

 Before that try to answer this question in your mind.

Activity 1. True or False

• Man cannot communicate.

• Communication is immensely powerful.

• Everything created by the great Creator is incessantly engaged in various   forms of communication.

• We are always engaged in almost all sorts of communication.

• Communication is something continuous and may not have a definite end.

What is communication?

• ·        Is a human act of sending (verbal or nonverbal; online of offline) and receiving of messages where interpretations are normally constructed in the process.

• ·        Is a process whereby people create and transmit meaning through the exchange of verbal and nonverbal messages context (Oetzel, 2009:11).

• ·        A natural activity of people

What then is purposive communication?

• ·        is a communication applied in a specific setting, environment, scene, social relations and culture

• ·        Contexts affects the process of sending and receiving of messages, semantics or meanings, choice of channels, words, and methods of delivery.

Context includes:

• Settings or environment – family, school, workplace, religious communities

• Social relationships – friends, husband and wife, parent child, colleagues/boss-subordinate in the office

• Scenes which include place, time, and occasion – business meeting, job interview, social gathering – parties, weddings, etc.)

• Culture – history, tradition, beliefs, norms, values