The Importance of Language in Communication - Essay Example

The importance of language Affiliation What is language? Language is the ability of human to acquire and use composite communication systems. Through language, human beings can communicate to others. They can exchange beliefs, knowledge, wishes, commands, threats, promises, thanks, opinions, feelings, as well as declarations. Human beings can laugh expressing happiness, disrespect or amusement they can smile to show amusement, approval, bitter feelings or pleasure. They can shriek expressing excitement or fear. Language is defined as physical, verbal, biologically innate form of communication. Further, language is defined as a learned behavior, which involves a stimulus as well as a response. In most instances, language is defined as verbal behavior, including body movements and gestures (Campbell & Green, 2006). Language is an integral constituent of the human activity playing a central part in the experiences and events of daily life of humans. This essay explains the meaning of language, importance of language in communication, the importance of language in civilization and the importance of language to culture. Oral language is a skill acquired naturally by small children. However, early childhood development cannot be overstressed, but it is a platform, which enables children to read and write. Assigning a meaning to sentences and words involves interpretation, which is mainly influenced by an individual’s attitudes, topic knowledge and experiences. Therefore, during communication individuals arrive at different meanings during a conversation. The principal means of communication in any society is spoken language although written communication also plays a vital role (Fellowes & Oakley, 2010).Language can be expressed orally through a generation of speech, which facilitates speech through an employment of signs systematically. It is a complex physical process, which involves the use of the vocal tract in controlling and shaping moving air in various ways in order to produce sounds. A speech comprises of fluency, voice and articulation. Importance of language in communication. Language is extremely an important way used by human beings to interact. Language is used to express the needs of individuals and ask others questions. Language is modified in every situation, for instance, the tone used to address children at home is different from the tone used in business meetings. In order to communicate effectively, individuals send a message comprising actions, words and gestures. Therefore, communication is two-way since the recipient is as important as the sender is (Gee & Hayes, 2011). Through language, individuals can connect and transmit information in order to make sense in their lives. Language is important to all individuals in everyday lives since without a language communication cannot take place. Being able to communicate effectively creates teamwork and bonds where human beings can work together towards a common goal. Being able to communicate has largely contributed to global audiences since many individuals are capable of speaking more than one language. Individuals have been able to participate in peacekeeping during wars due to effective communication. Leaders can run institutions due to effective communication brought about by suitable audience in every aspect. Business transactions are complete by individuals from different backgrounds because they have a common language that they can use to communicate (McWhorter, 2011). Many organizations have been able to conduct businesses in foreign countries since they have a language as a means of communication. Through language, people can connect globally. In most instances, language plays a big role in the daily transactions globally since all individuals have a different cultural background with a distinct mother tongue. However, a common language can connect the world, which a large number of individuals understand. Language is important for civilization Language is crucial for civilization because if individuals could not speak their language it would not be possible to speak to others. In most instances, individuals can learn their language before advancing to other complex languages. All human beings play a crucial role in civilization, and a common language joins them (Jenkinson, 1967). Talking is essential during interactions with other human beings. Language is knowledge and in the current world today, knowledge is the major factors of competitiveness. Knowledge and brains create the growth and success visible in the world today. Civilization has largely been contributed by language, and it is clear in history. During the prehistoric, human beings were using a language in preparing hunting strategies that allowed to kill big animals. Language contributes to economic growth since foreign investors can settle in different locations. Many uncivilized locations have been able to get assistance from different organizations through negotiations and education offered to them. For instance, many countries globally have been able to embrace technology, which has brought transformations. Without a language, civilization cannot be experienced since individuals cannot understand what the other party needs. It is a crucial tool in civilization since it has seen many transformations globally. Communities that never attended school are now able to access education due to aid from the government (Hoffmann, 1996). Advancing civilization calls for constructing of a new social reality, which emerges through words or language as key components of building civilization blocks. Language in itself is a collective construct, which is a social reality component. Therefore, like all the social conventions and constructs it can be changed. In addition, a change to the language is a change to civilization. Importance of language to culture Language is possibly the most important aspect of any culture since the rest is normally transmitted orally. It is not possible to understand the deep meanings and subtle nuances of another culture with a prime knowledge of its language. Small children are naturally capable of learning important syntax, phonemes and morphemes as they mature. Therefore, they possess a genetic propensity of learning a language. They join the world as eager learning machines and learning a language is a major aspect of their learning (Byram & Morgan, 1994). Language and culture are closely connected, and a number of cultures still uphold their traditions through songs in their basic language or stories. In a number of cultures, verbal precision and self-expression is highly valued. Many cultures encourage for direct style of communication and speaking their minds. However, other cultures prefer indirect communication style. In certain countries, individualistic culture utilizes the personal communication style, therefore; the most commonly used words are “you” and “I”. When a culture changes, it does also change the language introducing new words and embracing the new change (Hall & Kilpiö, 2010). Importance of language to society All societies have a unique language they speak, which serves as a medium to deliver dreams, thoughts, relations, meditations, communications and prayers. Additionally, It also serves as a medium of communication and as the source thinking and expression. All men interact with the society, therefore; language plays a vital role in the transformation of the society. Language is necessary in all societies in order to understand behavior and nature. In all societies, individuals speak to God through their respective languages and cultures in their places of worship (Downes, 2005). Language helps individuals to understand the lifestyle and culture of many societies. Their customs, festivals and traditions are clearly reflected by the diversified language globally. Language is viewed as knowledge and learning a new language boosts the logical status of the mind. There would be no poets, leaders, philosophers, writers and scientists if language did not exist. Many cultural beliefs observed in societies are mainly guided by language, and many individuals have to adhere to these beliefs (Farrall, 2012). Therefore, it is clear that languages fulfill human basic needs in order to live a responsible and happy live in the society. In conclusion, language is the ability of human beings to acquire communication systems. Language plays a vital role globally since it is the medium used by all individuals in communication. Language has influences a number of aspects, which include communication. Language is the basis of communication thus, enhancing understanding globally. Without language, individuals globally cannot communicate. Therefore, all transactions globally rely on communication in order for effectiveness. Language is also vital for civilization since individuals cannot participate in interactions without a common language. Additionally, civilization has largely been influenced by language. Without a language, civilization cannot be experienced since individuals cannot conclude. Language positively influences culture, and many communities can portray their culture using their distinct language. Many cultures are still held today due to the preservation of their language. Language is also important to the society in order to understand nature and behavior. Language assists individuals to understand the lifecycle and cultures of many communities globally. Language is the backbone of all inventions and advancement globally, since a team of individuals has to sit down to plan for the development. References Byram, M., & Morgan, C. (1994). Teaching and learning, language and culture. Clevedon [u.a.: Multilingual Matters. Campbell, R., & Green, D. (2006). Literacies and learners: Current perspectives. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W: Pearson Education. Downes, W. (2005). Language and society. Cambridge [u.a.: Cambridge Univ. Press. Farrall, M. L. (2012). Reading assessment: Linking language, literacy, and cognition. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Fellowes, J., & Oakley, G. (2010). Language, literacy and early childhood education. South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press. Gee, J. P., & Hayes, E. (2011). Language and learning in the digital age. Abingdon, Oxon. [England: Routledge. Hall, A., & Kilpiö, M. (2010). Interfaces between language and culture in medieval England: A festschrift for Matti Kilpiö. Leiden [The Netherlands: Brill. Hoffmann, C. (1996). Language, culture, and communication in contemporary Europe. Clevedon [Avon, England: Multilingual Matters. Jenkinson, E. B. (1967). What is language?: And other teaching units for grades seven through twelve. Bloomington, London: Indiana Univ. Press. McWhorter, J. H. (2011). What language is: And what it isnt and what it could be. New York: Gotham Books. Read More