Introduction to Language and Communication
In many cases, the words “language” and “communication” are used interchangeably.
However, there is a distinct dichotomy between the two terms — language vs.
communication.
Language – the principal method of human communication, consisting of words used in a
structured and conventional way and conveyed by speech, writing, or gesture.
Communication – the imparting or exchanging of information or news.
Every living thing communicates in some way:
Fish jump, sometimes for sheer joy.
Dogs bark, cats meow, and cows moo.
These noises or other interactions is communication. Yet that is not language.
Language is the highest form of intelligent interaction — and is reserved for higher-order
beings of our universe, namely humans. No other living thing communicates verbally and
further, reduces that verbal communication to written form as well.
The Definition of Language
Language is a distinctly human activity that aids in the transmission of feelings and thoughts
from one person to another. It is how we express what we think or feel through sounds and/or
symbols (spoken or written words), signs, posture, and gestures that convey a certain
meaning.
Among people, language is the primary means of communication. It is through language
communication, spoken or written, that we can share our ideas, opinions, views, and
emotions with another person.
The purpose of language is to make sense of complex and abstract thought. Various
languages are used by people residing in different areas or belonging to different
communities.
Over time, languages have been passed down verbally through generations and eventually
reduced to some form of written record.
The Definition of Communication
Where language is a tool, communication is an experience.
Communication is described as, “an act of interchanging ideas, information, or messages
from one person or place to another, via words or signs which are understood to both parties.”
It’s a crucial activity for any group of beings because it is how members of the group
cooperate together.
Communication is necessary for any group to function effectively. It is, at its core, a two-way
activity, consisting of seven major elements:
1. Sender
2. Message
3. Encoding
4. Channel
5. Receiver
6. Decoding
7. Feedback
A message is encoded and then sent from one individual (sender) to another (receiver),
through a channel. That message is then decoded and given feedback if communicated
effectively.
Today, there are a variety of communication channels available: face-to-face, phone calls,
Facetime, Zoom, emails, social media, brochures, advertisements, television, signs, fliers,
reports, and more.
Communication can be classified as:
Verbal
Non-verbal
Written
Visual (charts, graphs, etc.)
Language vs. Communication: Key Differences
Below are the primary differences between language and communication.
1. Language is a system of communication that relies on verbal or non-verbal codes to
transfer information. Communication is a way of interchanging messages or
information between two or more people, focusing on the message.
2. Language is a tool of communication. Communication is a process of
transferring messages.
3. Language changes dynamically, as new words can be
created. Communication is considered static, as its basic steps
remain unchanged.
4. The basics of communication do not change. However, new words
are added to the dictionary of language almost daily.
Language vs. Communication: Working Together
Communicating with others is a basic human need. Healthy living involves interacting and
engaging with others. And our primary means of doing so is through shared language.
As we obtain the capability of communicating across languages, we achieve interaction at the
global level. It is not language vs. communication; it is language and communication.
Shared language is critical to such vital functions as business and education. We are living
today in an interconnected global community, where communicating through shared
language is increasingly possible.
A good analogy of the relationship between language and communication is to look at
communication as the car, and language as the road. The car of communication can go down
another road (another language), or even go off-roading.
Relationships thrive through communication, regardless of the shared language. Therefore, it
is up to businesses and organizations to communicate with their target audiences in the
correct shared language.
