Language and Communication

Discussion
What is Language?
It is derived from the Latin Lingua which means tongue and the French langue,
language is the “entire complex of phenomena associated with human vocal and
auditory communication of emotions and ideas.” Language is called a social
phenomenon, because it has relevance only in a social setting. Language undergoes a
continues, though unnoticed, process of growth and change. It becomes sharp, crisp,
refined, and versatile with the passage of time. Pick up the historical background of any
language; you will be astonished to notice the major changes in spellings, meaning,
pronunciation and its connotation and denotation. Hence, language is a living
phenomenon. In its broadness and most general sense, “language may be said to be
any means of expression or mental concepts by any living beings whatsoever and of
communicating them to, or receiving them from other living beings.” Language is a very
complex phenomenon; all attempts to define it have proved inadequate. In common
parlance it may be said that language is an organized noise used in actual social
situations.

What is Communication?
Communication is an effective exchange of ideas, opinion and formation
between two or more persons in an authentic situation. The word effective is highlighted
because communication takes place if it is understood, relayed and shared.
A speaker facing an audience, for example, delivers a speech but gets no
reaction from the audience – at most, just a polite smile and nod of the head which may
mean nothing at all. Maybe, a blank stare directed towards the speaker but the mind is
somewhere else. A good number shuffle their feet down the floor or are simply focusing
their attention also on something else. The cause is clear – the speaker does not
communicate. A worst scenario could be a possible walkout of the audience and look
for a conductive ambiance rather than be bored to death with the speaker’s speech.
 On a situation like this, the speaker is just talking not communicating. Content of
the speech maybe essential but not substantial, but if it is not understood, it amounts to
nothing – that’s plain talk and not communication at all. The sender (speaker) of the
speech (message) must be understood by the recipient (listener). The sender is likened
to an encoder, the speech to a code and to the recipient, the decoder, this is the usual
process in communication.
An active participation of the audience – either to clarify, verify, or amplify
something about the speech is a mark of true communication. There is a vibrant
exchange of ideas – free-willing, democratic, unrestrained meant to achieve a goal – to
understand and to be understood. It is important to note, however, that language
amenities should be properly observed as a marked of civilized and cultured
conversation.
On a smaller scale, Student A may seek an opinion on something to Student B –
the latter simply shows no reaction even if pressed for an honest opinion – the question
maybe is, “Does student B understand what the student A is talking about?” if not, then
the communication process clearly bogs down. Something must be done about it – it
has to be repaired.