Module 1: The Nature of Language

What is Language?

Together with the creation of human life is the creation of a wonderful

and dynamic human capacity-language. Animals are said to be able to
communicate with each other. Whales sing, wolves howl, dogs bark,
and birds chirp. The sounds these creatures produce often reflect the
state of their emotions. While it may true that animal communicates,
only human beings are truly capable of producing language.

What exactly is language? Linguists agree that a language can only be called a language if it
has a system of rules (also known as grammar), a sound system (phonology), and a vocabulary
(lexicon). These are the requirements for identifying a means of communication as a language.
A monkey may be able to signal to its partner that it is sharing food. The monkey will
produce sounds and gestures, but will not be able to organize the sounds into a meaningful
system with rules. What the monkey is producing is not a
language in the strictest sense of the word. Human beings, on the
other hand, can communicate their desire to share food through
several ways that are understandable to other human beings. They
may utter a word (Food!), raise a question (Want some food?), or
give a statement (I'd like to share this food with you).

When people use language, they can understand each other

because they belong to the same speech community. They can
understand each other because, in their speech community,
people share the same set of rules in the language system. While
growing up, people acquire the languages used by those in the
community. This is the process of language acquisition. The
languages acquired while growing up are known as mother
tongues, which may also be referred to as first languages. People discover later on that other
languages are needed for various reasons. These other languages may be referred to as
second languages. People learn these languages may by studying formally in school or
informally on their own. This is the process of language learning.

What happens if people visit another speech community

that is different from their own? Americans and the British
speak English. However, they spell English words
differently. They pronounce words differently. They have
different ways of expressing the same concepts. It can be
said that the Americans and the British belong to two
speech communities that do not have the same set of rules
for their languages. This is why there are differences in
their languages. The opening activity on the previous page illustrates this reality.

What happens if you, for example, who speak a mother tongue

and English, go to work in China where the residents speak
Putonghua (Mandarin) and a little bit of English? Will you be
able to communicate with the Chinese? The answer is yes.
Though it will be a challenge for you and your Chinese friends
to try to understand each other, eventually you will be able to
communicate as you slowly learn each other's languages. What
is happening here is called language contact. The result of such
contact may be a new form of language. It is possible that in
your attempt to communicate with each other, you and your Chinese friend will produce a
new language form that is understandable to both of you. Your own languages may also
change as you constantly interact and communicate with each other. Thus, language change
is the result of language contact.

Language is indeed a complex human capacity. It is, therefore, important to be aware of its
features and behavior to be able to use language more effectively and productively in
communicating with others.

What is Communication?

Depending on what is being considered,

communication as a term takes on different contexts
resulting in people having different views on
communication types. Since communication is
generally defined as the exchange of thoughts, ideas,
concepts, and views between or among two or more
people, various contexts come into play. Context is the circumstance or environment in which
communication takes place. Such circumstances may include the physical or actual setting,
the value positions of a speaker/listener, and the relevance or appropriateness of a message
conveyed. It focuses on certain communication processes and even groupings of people that
constitute a communication situation.

Different contexts can impact one's communication. Each communication type is governed by
a particular circumstance. Thus, it is essential to pay attention to the interplay of factors
surrounding the context of communication which may be physical, cultural, social, and
psychological in nature. Communication may then be classified according to: (1)
communication mode, (2) context, and (3) purpose and style.
Types of Communication
According to Mode
A message may be conveyed via these types: verbal- non-
verbal and visual. Though communication is often
thought of as verbal, the non-verbal mode is equally
essential as it enhances one's message.

Verbal Communication

Verbal Communication is a type of oral communication wherein the message is transmitted

through spoken words. Here the sender gives words to his feelings, thoughts, ideas, opinions
and expresses them in the form of speeches, discussions, presentations, and conversations.

The effectiveness of verbal communication depends on the tone of the speaker, clarity of
speech, volume, speed, body language and the quality of words used in the conversation. In
the case of the verbal communication, the feedback is immediate since there are a
simultaneous transmission and receipt of the message by the sender and receiver
respectively.

The sender must keep his speech tone high and clearly audible to all
and must design the subject matter keeping the target audience in
mind. The sender should always cross-check with the receiver to
ensure that the message is understood in absolutely the same way as
it was intended. Such communication is more prone to errors as
sometimes the words are not sufficient to express the feelings and
emotions of a person.

The success of verbal communication depends not only on the

speaking ability of an individual but also on the listening skills. How effectively an individual
listens to the subject matter decides the effectiveness of the communication. Verbal
communication is applicable in both the formal and informal kinds of situations.

Non-verbal Communication

The Non-Verbal Communication is the process of conveying meaning without the use of
words either written or spoken. In other words, any communication made between two or
more persons through the use of facial expressions, hand movements, body language,
postures, and gestures is called as non-verbal communication.

The Non-Verbal Communication, unlike the verbal communication, helps in establishing and
maintaining the interpersonal relationships while the verbal only help in communicating the
external events. People use non-verbal to express emotions and interpersonal attitudes,
conduct rituals such as greetings and bring forward one’s personality.

The non-verbal communication in the form of signals, expressions add meaning over the
verbal and help people to communicate more efficiently. It supplements whatever is said in
words, such as people nod to acknowledge and move their hands to give directions.
The non-verbal communication defines the distance between the communicators and helps
them to exchange their emotional state of mind. Also, it regulates the flow of communication,
for example, an individual can give signals to convey that he had finished speaking or else he
wants to speak.

Sometimes, the non-verbal acts as a barrier to communicating effectively as the recipient

could not understand what the sender is trying to say and may interpret it wrongly.

Visual Communication

Visual communication, on the other hand, is

the type of communication that uses visuals
to convey information and/or messages.
Some examples are signs, symbols, imagery,
maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, pictograms,
photos, drawings or illustrations, and even
various forms of electronic communication.
Some examples of electronic communication symbols or images are the emojis, emoticons,
and animation among others to convey the writer's emotions or clarify the intent of the
message sender. These are achieved through digital mode or text.

How these symbols are interpreted is very crucial in visual communication. There are some
instances when visual communication is classified under non-verbal communication.
Whatever the classification is, note that this type has now become pervasive in
communication. It is then important that the receiver of the message is able to decode the
meaning correctly by contextualizing the information received.

Visual communication now occupies an

important place in work
environment. For instance, during
presentations, instructors, managers,
doctors, lawyers, legislators, and the like
use visuals to transfer data into
digestible information. Very likely, they
will have greater success in catching the attention of the audience, making the latter easily
recall the information. What makes visual communication even more advantageous is that it
makes use of technology that provides apps (applications), videos, and images that rely less
on the printed word making presentations more interesting. This leaves a powerful effect on
the audience and prospective clients.
Speakers/presenters should, however, be
mindful of the content of their presentation
since wrong and irrelevant information may
lead to miscommunication or communication
breakdown, thereby defeating the very
purpose for the use of visuals. Likewise, they
should pay attention to graphic elements, such as position, color, size, shape, and orientation
as all these play an important role in the preparation of slides. Audience size should be
considered as well when preparing slide presentations any or other forms of visuals.

Types of Communication According to Context

In this sub-section, context in communication is referred to as a composite of people
interacting with each other. Communication may also be classified according to context; 1.
Intrapersonal; 2. Interpersonal; 3. Extended; 4. Organizational communication; 5. Intercultural
communication.

Intrapersonal Communication

The Latin prefix then means intra- means talking within to

oneself or inside. Intrapersonal communication means
talking to oneself. Some label it as self or inner talk, inner
monologue, or inner dialogue. Psychologists call it with
other names such as self-verbalization or self-statement.

Do you find it normal to talk to yourself? Some say it is,

some say it's not. The gauge, however, rests on the frequency
of the occurrence and how you handle such. For instance, if
you find yourself talking to yourself, there is really no need
for you to answer back. You talk to yourself because you think that there is the need to: boost
your confidence when you are nervous to speak in front of an audience, apprise yourself that
you performed a good job, or inner as console you speech are yourself able such to that
distinguish as fantasizing you did it a from task or daydreaming reality poorly. Moreover,
engaging in inner speech such as fantasizing or daydreaming is not bad as long as you are
able to distinguish it from reality.

Self-talk can be advantageous as it can enable you to

practice what confidence you ought to speak to say in times
when you lack the motivation and confidence to speak. One
magic statement that you can try is: “I can do it!" Saying this
over and over again will give you positive reinforcement
that you can do things courageously and that it is not
impossible to do so. Furthermore, as you respond to life’s
challenges, you may also find yourself verbalizing your
thoughts and feelings. It is then important that you
introspect; you are able to improve on your life decisions in life and likewise enhance your
self-worth as a person.
Interpersonal Communication

As opposed to intra, the Latin prefix inter-

means between, among and together. An
interactive exchange takes place as
interpersonal communication takes place.
However, as it occurs, a transaction does not
necessarily take place since it can only be a
simple interaction such as greetings, getting to
know a person, or ordinary conversations that
happen between or among the interactants.
This may occur in dyads or small groups, also known as group communication.

A Communication situation is interpersonal if it is

meant to establish or deepen one's relationship with
others. However, if the Objective is to achieve
something at the end of the conversation, it becomes
transactional. While the former is characterized by less
seriousness and formality, the latter is more formal
and profound. Whereas interpersonal talks are meant
for maintaining social relationships, transactional talks
aim to accomplish or resolve something at the end of
the conversation. Note the example below.

1. Speaker A: Hello! I am Kaeselle Ramos. And you?

Speaker B: Oh, I am Venice Mendoza. Glad to

meet you. How are you related to the bride?

Speaker A: She is my cousin. Her mom and

mine are sisters. How about you?

Speaker B: She was my high school

classmate. I never knew anything about her
personal life so we were kind of surprised when she sent us the invitation. As always,
she is very private.

Speaker A: I see. Well, she's really like that. Ever since we were kids, she has always
been a very quiet person.
 2. Speaker A: Excuse me. Would you know how to get nearest mall?

Speaker B: Yes. In fact, you may go there on foot or simply take a Jeepney. If you walk,
it will take you about 20 minutes to get there. You can just take the exit gate near the
hospital then turn left and walk straight ahead. You won't miss it because of the big
sign. Jeepneys take the same route and it
should not take you more than 10 minutes
even with the traffic.

Speaker A: Thank you very much. I think will

just take the public transportation as I am
running out or time. You have been really
helpful. Thanks again.

Could you tell which is interpersonal and which is transactional in the two situations
above? Explain the objective, the language, and the nature of the conversation.

Extended Communication

Extended communication involves the use of

electronic media. Unlike before when it only
called for the use of television and radio,
nowadays, the description of extended
communication may be expanded as to include
tele, audio, or phone conferencing; Video-
conferencing; Skype calls; and other
technological means. For example, linked by a
telecommunication system, people who are far apart,
or are far from the venue, can participate in a meeting
or a conference. In an e-conference like this,
participants may not be physically present but are still
able to track down the lectures and participate actively
because of the mass articulation and dissemination of
information, allowing speakers to reach a wider group
of listeners.

With extended communication, your own thinking, behavior, and attitude may be influenced
by other people and you may be persuaded to take the views you hear. It is important then
that you weigh what you hear and assess them against those beliefs that you hold onto so you
do not get easily swayed by other people's convictions.
Organizational Communication

With this type, the focus is on the role that

communication plays in organizational
contexts. Organizations comprise individuals
who work for the company. When you
graduate, for example, you become a
professional, either working for a company or
putting up your own.

For an organization to be successful, a system of communication should be put in place. A set

of rules or standards for communication protocol should be made clear so that interaction
patterns are established. On the part of the individual, you should be equipped with the
needed oral and written communication skills that the organization expects you to possess.

There are two types of organizational structure: (1) formal and (2) informal. Formal structure
allows communication to take place via designated channels of message flow between
positions in the organization. Informal communication, on the other hand, comes from
unofficial channels of message flow. Also known as grapevine, messages coming from the
different levels of the organization is transmitted. This occurs due to the dissatisfaction of
some employees accompanied by uncertainty, such as superiors playing favorites and
unfavorable or unacceptable company rules and regulations. Each organization has its own
culture.

Organizational culture is of utmost significance since it will dictate the kind of behavior that
employees should possess as well as the extent of commitment expected from them by the
organization. They all share in the values, practices, vision, and mission of the organization.
Peter Drucker's famous quote, "Company cultures are like country cultures. Never try to
change one. Try instead, to work, with what you've got,”
underscores the view that indeed, culture is within the
control of the entrepreneur or company owner. If at the
outset, you think you cannot adapt to the organization's
culture, better look for another job or workplace where you
will be happy with your superiors and colleagues.

Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication is the study and practice

of communication across cultural contexts. It applies
equally to domestic cultural differences such as
ethnicity and gender and to international differences
such as those associated with nationality or world
region. Intercultural communication is an approach to
relations among members of these groups that focuses
on the recognition and respect of cultural differences, seeks the goal of mutual adaptation
leading to biculturalism rather than simple assimilation, and supports the development of
intercultural sensitivity on the part of individuals and organizations to enable empathic
understanding and competent coordination of action across cultural differences.

Since “communication” is the mutual creation of

meaning and “culture” is the coordination of
meaning and action in a group, it follows that
“intercultural communication” is the mutual
creation of meaning across cultures. This means
that intercultural communication is the
mechanism whereby people of different groups
perceive and try to make sense of one another. While there is no guarantee that people will be
respectful of the differences they encounter in this process, it is certainly a criterion of good
communication that people seek to understand the intentions of each other in non-evaluative
ways. For that reason, intercultural communication incorporates particular strategies that
encourage us to attribute equal humanity and complexity to people who are not part of our
own group.

Types of Communication According to Purpose and Style

Finally, Communication may be classified according and style. Earlier, formal purpose and
informal communication discussed have been in relation to organization communication.
Similarly, the types of communication in relation to purpose and style are formal and
informal Formal communication employs formal language delivered orally or in written
form. Lectures, public talks/speeches, research and project proposals, reports, and business
letters, among others are all considered formal
situations and writings. Note that while lectures and
speeches are delivered orally, the texts have been
thought out carefully and written well before they are
delivered. To inform, to entertain, and to persuade are
the main objectives of this type of communication.

On the other hand, informal

communication certainly does not employ
formal language. It involves personal and
ordinary conversations with friends, family
members, or acquaintances about anything
under the sun. The mode may be oral as in
face-to-face, in the ordinary or everyday
talks and phone calls, or written as in the
case of e-mail messages, personal notes, letters, or text messages. The purpose is simply to
socialize and enhance relationships.

-the end-