A Scientific View of Language and Communication - Research Paper Example

? Key Concepts of Language Introduction Language can be considered to be one of the most essential capabilities amongst human beings and it is this phenomenon that distinguishes humans from the other creatures in the world (Trask, 2007). This doe not mean that they are not able to communicate but our development has allowed for a unification of actions on a global scale that would have not been capable by other species (Trask, 2007). Human beings have the most developed form of communications systems in the world and the foundation of this is the language that they use to transmit their messages. The ability to produce a clear and concise meaning of what an individual means to relay allows for the better understanding and by extension relations of the participating individuals (Kennison, 2013). The importance of language to man and the emphasis on its development can be seen by the general portrayal of the past progress that was made from Cave men to the modern man that is seen today. In most instances the cave man is shown as an individual with ability to speak and form clear words and communicates mostly with grunts and gestures in the same manner that an ape for example would do (Kennison, 2013). As man continues to evolve and develop as a species the change is seen not only in the posture (that straightens into an upright position) but in their ability to communicate with one another as well (Fitch, 2010). The emphasis of language as one of the crucial elements of evolution lays the foundation for the argument that it is an important part of the human element and is thus involved in one way or another in daily life and in studies such as the humanities and social sciences (Trask, 2007). However to fully grasp the involvement between language and these studies it is critical to comprehend the key concepts of language such as the various definitions that are available. The understanding of these elements would serve to produce a good depiction of the relationship between these two subjects. Textbook Definition The textbook definition of language can be seen as the simplest manner of explanation for the description of the subject (that is, language). This description aims at cutting across the various sub-topics that arise in this matter and present an accurate representation of the meaning of the word (Kennison, 2013). The text book definition of language in this case can be the use of a complicated system of communication by human beings to relate messages to one another in various manners of forms such as spoken and written word as well as gestures in some cases (Fitch, 2010). A language can be termed as any manner of communication that meets this description and there are a large number of languages of languages that have been developed around the world. However, it should be eminent that the textbook definition of language would not be able to fully assist in the relation of the modern day approach to humanities and social sciences and the subject. It is however important in the progression of one’s understanding of the subject so as matter to allow for a clearer perception of the other available definitions of language (Trask, 2007). It is crucial that one first learns the basics of the topic before delving further into the connection that exists between the studies that have been mentioned and the involvement of language in their development and progression. The further definitions of language can be seen to originate from different viewpoints that have been studies in relation to the topic in an attempt to explain the various fundamentals that govern this subject. Language in Relation to Social Structure The human language can be seen to be unique in a number of aspects that are lacking in other species of animals that populate this planet. This is due to the number of properties that can be found in it when studied closely (Trask, 2007). Some of these include elements such as recursivity, productivity and displacement. These are all elements that are not found in such high levels in other species and lay a foundation for the communication that takes place. The society is based on the ability of individuals to communicate with one another in a clear manner allowing them a higher success of achieving their collective objectives (Kennison, 2013). This means of communication has also been used as a manner of conveying knowledge (in the form of information) that can be transmitted orally or collected into a form that can be conveyed without the use of a physical messenger. The numerous technologies that have been introduced over the years as the human race continues to advance have also concentrated on issues of language and communication in their functions. This is a good example of the importance that language holds as it can serve as a barrier to those without its knowledge (Trask, 2007). This is seen in the instruction manuals that are available usually presented in more than one language to ensure that the intended message is relayed. Another element of the human language is the fact that it strongly relies on other factors such as learning as well as the social conventions that may be prevalent in that particular environment. The modern approaches that have been seen in today’s study of humanities and social sciences have laid an emphasis on the matter of language in the sense that the contribution made to the overall process serves as the connection of understanding needed to successfully impart the message. Modern Definitions of Language There are a number of definitions that can be in relation to various perspectives of language that can be used to further delve into the topic of language in relation to the humanities and social sciences and regard to the approaches taken in the modern day era (Fitch, 2010). They take a number of views according to the particular aspect that is being focused on and deem to enhance the understanding of language in relation to that matter. These definitions have originated from a deeper glance at the subject and some of them include: Mental Faculty/Capabilities This definition sees language as an ability that is enabled by the mental faculties of an individual. This is in references to the faculties that allow a person to take up linguistic capabilities as well as learn the language (Kennison, 2013). This definition can be seen to take a strong biological basis on the description of the subject but has however pointed out a factor that cannot be deemed to be utterly deniable. This is seen in the modern approaches that are used in the humanities and social sciences as well as other academic departments with the classification of advanced study groups that are submitted to a different form of language (with regard to reading material) than their counterparts. Though it should be noted that the progression of these classifications is not based on the sole element of language alone, but the subject plays a role in the change of environment that occurs in the form of presentation (Trask, 2007). Another approach that can be seen in the humanities and social sciences modern methods is the change from the traditional implementation processes to customized versions that seek to relate with the audience through using the same language that is utilized in their social circles (Fitch, 2010). The implementation of these methods is under the basis that an individual is tended to better understand the message being relayed if it is delivered in a familiar format that is in their current use. The effort is seen in a number of productions such as the study material that is available as well as the modes of presentation that are used during class sessions. Communication Tool Another definition of language is derived from its use as a communicative tool. This definition can also be said to be a practical explanation in the manner that it broaches the subject but it also takes a deeper look at the functioning and use of language (Fitch, 2010). In this definition, the aim of this tool is to enable individuals to cooperate with one another. This can certainly be related to the approaches of humanities and social sciences as the transmission of the intended messages depends on the success of the chosen communication tools that are used (Trask, 2007). This is to say that if the chosen tool is foreign to either the user or the recipient then the chances of success reduces dramatically thus it is essential to ensure that the communication methods that are set in place for a particular interaction suit the particular needs of that certain point in time. Conclusion In conclusion, it can be stated that the development and changes that have occurred in languages affects the academic and educational processes that are in play at that point in time (Fitch, 2010). Therefore, it is essential that one has the full understanding of the topic if they are to focus on a topic of education such as this case scenario with humanities and social sciences. These two subjects have integrated the definitions of language into their learning systems and as a result improving the modern approaches that have been introduced into the market for a higher chance of success. References Fitch, W. T. (2010). The Evolution of Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Kennison, S. (2013). Introduction to Language Development. New York: SAGE. Trask, R. L. (2007). Language and Linguistics: The Key Concepts (2nd Ed.). London: Routledge. Read More