Language and Communication Are So Closely Related That They Are Almost The Same
Language and Communication Are So Closely Related That They Are Almost The Same
If
we used a thesaurus to find alternative words for language the top alternative is 'verbal
communication', 'words', 'speech' and 'talking'.
Language
Language is not only a verbal way to communicate but we can also communicate
through our body language and facial expressions; which is a whole language of its
own. Body language can be used to a much more subtle effect and is very often a
subconscious revelation of our feelings.
Studying a person's body language can often tell you a great deal about them and can
be as effective, if not more effective, than a spoken conversation. Folded arms or a
shoulder turned slightly away can indicate a reluctance to communicate and can show
that someone is uncomfortable with the conversation or situation.
Open, relaxed body language can be encouraging for other people and can persuade
someone to also relax into a comfortable conversation.
Communication
We can communicate in the written form which gives us the opportunity to contemplate
our language and thus make sure it is used as effectively as possible. Writing gives us
the chance to think of creative, interesting and heartfelt language that can have much
more impact than spoken language.
With modern technology there are now many more ways of communicating with people.
We communicate via text messages, emails, social media, voicemails and instant
messaging. It gives us the opportunity to communicate with people all around the globe
and remain in contact with people 24/7.
Definition of Language
Definition of Communication
1. Formal Communication
2. Informal Communication
Verbal Communication
o Oral Communication
o Written Communication
Non-verbal communication
RELATED STUDIES
Not being familiar with your significant other's language can make it hard to fully and accurately
express yourself, which can cause frustration. Mispronouncing words or not being able to
understand an accent can be frustrating for both the speaker and the listener. Try to be patient
with your partner and yourself. Eventually, you will learn more about the other person and her
language. Until then, you can figure out a way to understand each other, through body language
or short key phrases, suggests psychotherapist Denise Pickup in her article, "Cross Cultural
Relationships," on the Counselling Directory website.
Trying a new language can also lead to misunderstandings, which can cause conflict in a
relationship. Getting key words confused or even a slight mispronunciation can change meaning,
says author Martin Cortazzi, in "Cross Cultural Communication A Foreign Language
Perspective," published in "Fountain Magazine." For example, your boyfriend may be used to
placing emphasis on different syllables of a word, because that is how he is used to speaking in
his language, but this may not translate well in English, causing you to misinterpret his words as
angry or aggressive. If he accidentally misses one word, it can change the meaning of the
sentence. He may use the right word, but with a different definition in his language.
Lost Humor
Laughing together is a way that people bond and connect, but humor from another culture can be
easily misunderstood. Jokes told in another language may not translate well and may not make
sense in English. Although her culture's humor may be lost on you, try to give your girlfriend a
chance to explain her joke. You can also use humor to ease any tension there may be around
misunderstandings. If she is not easily offended, tease her about her accent or let her laugh at
your unintentional misuse of a word. This can be a way for you to bond over any awkward
moments and let her know that you don't take things too seriously.
You may eventually be able to communicate with your partner despite not being fluent in the
same language, but things can still get awkward when you are hanging out with other people. If
he is meeting your friends or family for the first time, playing translator can get tricky. He may
also feel left out if everyone is talking fast in your native language and not including him in the
conversation. He might get paranoid and think that people are talking about him, even though
that may not be true. When bringing your boyfriend out with friends or family, ask them to be as
considerate as possible. Doing things like speaking slowly and not using too much slang can help
him feel a little more welcomed.
How a mother cares for her baby may determine her child’s future vocabulary and language abilities, regardless of a
family’s economic status. Research shows that from a very young age, children are influenced by the way their
mother’s verbally interact with them.
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
When an infant is born, it is not unlike any other infant born, in fact, quite
similar. It is not until the child is exposed to their surroundings that they
become individuals in and of their cultural group. This idea, which describes
all people as similar at birth, has been around for thousands of years and was
discussed by Confucius as recorded in the book by his followers, Analects
(Xu, 1997). From birth, the child’s life, opinions, and language are shaped by
what it comes in contact with. Brooks (1968) argues that physically and
mentally everyone is the same, while the interactions between persons or
groups vary widely from place to place. Patterns which emerge from these
group behaviours and interactions will be approved of, or disapproved of.
Behaviours which are acceptable will vary from location to location (Brooks,
1968) thus forming the basis of different cultures.