1.

INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE

Subjects
A. Introduction to Language: Definition, Forms, Usages, and Functions of language.
B. Exercises.

Goals
By knowing the definition, forms, usages, and functions of language, students can be able to:
1. learn, understand and master about definition of language.
2. learn, understand and master about forms of language.
3. learn, understand and master about usages of language.
4. learn, understand and master about functions of language.

We know that mastering good language will make us confident to share our knowledge, skills
and abilities to somebody else, especially when we like stepping up our career future. By
learning and developing good language skills will help us succeed in our career, make us a
competitive job candidate and build our network. It will take time and practice, but we should
be sure that our language skills will certainly be able to increase and refine.

Before we go further discussing and learning about English materials, let’s discuss firstly about
what language is, what its functions are, what its forms are, what its usages are, and what
its characteristics are.

I. Definition of Language

Here are some general definitions of language:

Language is a system of communication used by a particular country or community.

Language is a system of communication consisting of sounds, words and grammar, or

the system of communication used by the people of a particular country or profession.

Language is 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.

Language is a principal method of human communication, consisting of words used in a

structured and conventional way and conveyed by speech, writing, or gesture.

Language is a system of communication that enables humans to exchange verbal or

symbolic utterances. This definition stresses the social functions of language and the fact
that humans use it to express themselves and to manipulate objects in their environment.

By looking at and learning about the definitions above, it can be inferred that language
is method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of sounds and
the use of words in a structured and conventional way or gesture (body language or sign
language).

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II. Forms of Language

There are four types of language forms:

A. Written language is a way of recording language using any of various instruments

and material, such as pen and paper, chisel and stone, or computers. It is a visual
representation of language through the use of an established choice of signs. It is the
single most important and far-reaching technology available to mankind and has
become the basis for almost all other information technologies that enable the
development and maintenance of large and complex societies, the formalization of
academic and practical learning, and the ability to exchange information on a global
level. This is, perhaps, the foremost of the many other fundamental social and
technological advances that have shaped our world.

B. Spoken language is any example of language produced using some of the articulatory
organs, such as mouth, vocal folds or lungs. It is used broadly to refer both to
languages produced using the vocal cords and to languages produced through hand
signs. Spoken language often follows its own rules and conventions. One may, or may
not, be able to infer these conventions simply by listening to a spoken language. Not
all spoken languages have written counterparts, depending on the cultural and
linguistic history of the speakers.

C. Body language is a type of communication in which physical behaviors, as opposed

to words, are used to express or convey the information. Such behavior includes
facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch and the use of
space. When individuals speak, they do not normally confine themselves to the mere
emission of speech sounds. Because speaking usually involves at least two parties in
sight of each other, a great deal of meaning is conveyed by facial expression and
movements and postures of the whole body but especially of the hands; these are
collectively known as gestures.

D. Sign language is language that use visual-manual modality to convey meaning, which
is expressed through manual articulation in combination with non-manual markers.
It is most often used in deaf communities, although it is also sometimes used by
hearing people when they are unable to communicate verbally. Sign language has
the same linguistic components as spoken language, even though it does not involve
speech sounds, it has its own grammar, syntax, and morphology.

Related to the four types of language forms, there are four styles of communication, they
are as the following:

1. Verbal communication is the use of language to transfer information through speaking

or sign language. It is often used during presentations, video conferences and phone
calls, meetings and one-on-one conversations.

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 2. Non-Verbal communication is the use of body language, gestures, touch, and eye
movement or facial expressions to convey information to others. It can be used both
intentionally and unintentionally and very helpful when trying to understand others’
thoughts and feelings.

3. Visual communication is the act of using photographs, art, drawings, sketches, charts
and graphs to convey information. It is often used as an aid during presentations to
provide helpful context alongside written and/or verbal communication.

4. Written communication is the act of providing a record of information for reference.

It is commonly used to share information through books, pamphlets, blogs, letters,
memos and more.

All types of communication mentioned above is applied when the users want to deliver
their information to be easily accepted and understood by the audients.

III. Usages of Language

Most people use language every day to speak to friends and family, communicate in the
workplace, resolve conflicts, brainstorm new ideas, ask for help, and express their points
of view. Understanding how language is used in speech and writing can help make
individuals stronger communicators in all spheres of life. Language has certain usages
according to the needs of a person, it could be as a tool for self-expression, as a means
to communicate, as a tool to organize and adapt to social integration in the environment
or circumstances, and as a tool for social control too.

Here are some language usages:

A. Language as a tool to interact with others

Conditions for communication happened is the need for the involvement of two or
more people who are talking to each other. In this case, the interaction process is
emphasized to allow exchange of feedback between the speaker and the interlocutor,
and vice versa.

B. Language reflects a person's level of education

The interaction between two people or more is often done smoothly by people who
are well educated, influenced by the environment of residence, as well as the school
environment or the working environment. Educated people tend to interact with the
environment that supports the use of language quality, rather those who are less
educated.

C. Language indicates authority

A leader must be able to speak well, so subordinates will appreciate him properly.
This is related to the mastery of one's language, if a leader can be able to speak well,
and he is able to express his ideas clearly and straightforwardly, it shows his authority
as the leader.
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 D. Language as the force of law
With language, one can identify the language of self-defense or rivals. Someone who
spoke, even to escape easily from a case that addressed to him. This shows that
language can be implemented as ability/skill in communication.

E. Language attracts the customer

In business communication, advertising language is used to convey product benefits
and efficacy. The communication process cannot be released from the distribution of
a product to consumers. it is meant that with a good and attractive advertising
language will make consumers are interested in trying your product.

F. Language indicates a person's social standing

With language, one can contemplate it position in society. The diversity of languages
mastered by a person will certainly be different each other is influenced by the
acquisition of language from environment. So that people who have high language
diversity, and are able to communicating well is seen as a privilege in society.

IV. Functions of Language

Speech shapes our daily verbal communication. Some of our words convey meaning,
some convey emotion, and some actually produce action. Language provides endless
opportunities for fun because of its infinite, sometimes implausible, and ever-changing
nature. In this section, we will study the functions of language, showing us that language
is informative, directive, expressive, it can be able to express observations, thoughts,
feelings, needs, identity and many others.

A. Language is Informative
Informative language serves to communicate ideas and information to the audience.
Generally, this information must be true or false, not speculative or opinion based.
Many people may think about using informative language when considering the
general impact of writing. Science textbooks and newspapers are examples of writing
that focus heavily on informative language. Sometimes, informative language can be
expressed in the form of questions. This question often brings attention to a piece of
information that the reader is already familiar with to frame the information that will
follow and readers are not necessarily expected to answer this question. However, it
helps set the intent of the article and can also be used for emphasis.

B. Language is Directive
Directive language is used to elicit a response or action, usually from another person.
Commands and questions are forms of directive language. This gets a little tricky,
but it's basically a way to get a response from someone you communicate with in
casual conversation. Some would say that directive language is usually used to give
someone some kind of command. So, directive function focuses on the addressee; it
means that the speaker needs the reaction from the hearer or to make someone
perform a particular action. The aim of directive function is to convey the speaker's
commands. Referential function means provide information.

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 C. Language is Expressive
One of the most powerful things people can do with language is express their ideas,
opinions and points of view. Generally, this type of subjective use of writing and
speech is considered an example of expressive language use. Expressive language is
used to talk about opinions, emotions, and personal experiences. It doesn't have to
communicate factual information, but it is very important.

D. Language is Expressing Observations

When we express observations, we report on the sensory information we are taking
or have taken in. When you are trying to make sense of an experience, expressing
observations in a descriptive rather than evaluative way can lessen defensiveness,
which facilitates competent communication. Sometimes, eyewitness testimony is a
good example of communicating observations. Witnesses are not supposed to make
judgments or offer conclusions; they only communicate factual knowledge as they
experienced it.

E. Language is Expressing Thoughts

Language is one of the media through which we express thought. So, in a sense,
expression of thought is not lame without language. Bits of linguistic information that
enter into one person's mind, from another, cause people to entertain a new thought
with profound effects on his world knowledge, inferencing, and subsequent
behaviour. Language neither creates nor distorts conceptual life. Thought comes first,
while language is an expression. When we express thoughts, we draw conclusions
according to what we have experienced. We make observations based on sensory
information about what we saw, what we read, what we heard, then, thoughts will
be connected to our beliefs about what we think is true or false, attitudes about what
we like and dislike, and values about what we think is right or wrong or in other way
good or bad.

F. Language is Expressing Feelings

When we express feelings, we communicate our emotions. Expressing feelings is a
difficult part of verbal communication, because there are many social norms about
how, why, when, where, and to whom we express our emotions. Expressing feelings
can be uncomfortable for those listening. Some people are generally not good at or
comfortable with receiving and processing other people’s feelings. Even those with
good empathetic listening skills can be positively or negatively affected by other’s
emotions. Things like facial expressions and tone of voice offer much insight into
emotions that may not be expressed verbally. There is also a lack of immediate
feedback. Sometimes people respond immediately to a text or e-mail, but think about
how frustrating it is when you text someone and they don’t get back to you right
away. If you’re in need of emotional support or want validation of an emotional
message you just sent, waiting for a response could end up negatively affecting your
emotional state.

G. Language is Expressing Needs

When we express needs, we are communicating in an instrumental way to help us
get things done. Since we almost always know our needs more than others do, it’s
important for us to be able to convey those needs to others. Expressing needs can
help us get a project done at work or help us navigate the changes of a long-term
romantic partnership. Not expressing needs can lead to feelings of abandonment,
frustration, or resentment.

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 H. Language is Expressing Identity
Language is intrinsic to the expression of culture. Language is a fundamental aspect
of cultural identity. It is the means by which we convey our innermost self from
generation to generation. It is through language that we transmit and express our
culture and its values. “Language – both code and content – is a complicated dance
between internal and external interpretations of our identity”. Words, language, have
the power to define and shape the human experience.

EXERCISES

Answer the following questions with your own words.

1. Review the definition, forms, usages, and functions of language?

2. Based on what you are doing and how you are feeling at this moment, write one of each
of the four types of expressions—an observation, a thought, a feeling, and a need.
3. Getting integrated: A key function of verbal communication is expressing our identities.
4. Identify labels or other words that are important for your identity in each of the following
contexts: academic, professional, personal, and civic.

REFERENCES

1. Alan Barker.2011. Improving Communication Skills. London: Kogan Page Limited.

2. Elizabeth Walter.2008. Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.
3. Ian Tuhovsky.2018. 21 Days of Effective Communication.
www.mindfulnessforsuccess.com
4. Simeone Potter. 2015. What is language. https://www.britannica.com/topic/English-
language
5. Steven McCornack. 2007. Reflect and Relate: An Introduction to Interpersonal
Communication. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.
6. Owen Hargie. 2011. Skilled Interpersonal Interaction: Research, Theory, and Practice .
London: Routledge.

THANK YOU

GREAT WORKS ARE PERFORMED NOT BY STRENGTH,

BUT PERSEVERANCE.

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