LESSON 1: NATURE OF LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION
What is language?
A language is a structured system of communication, a medium for thought, and a social interaction.
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 are able to share our ideas, opinions, views, and
emotions with another person.
The purpose of language is making 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. Language, as a tool, primarily occurs in
auditory channels and is open to dynamic change. The written form is an unchanging set of
material by which others can learn to communicate in a given language and has, therefore,
become a vital aid to global human communication.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module, you are expected to;
1. define language and describe its nature
2. define communication
3. differentiate between language and communication
Nature of Language
1. Language is a combination of sounds.
2. Words have meaning.
3. Meaning are in people, not in words.
4. Language follows a grammatical structure.
5. Language is based on aural and oral system.
6. Language can die and be extinct.
What is Communication?
Communication is a process by which people send messages or exchange ideas or thoughts with
one another in verbal or non-verbal manner. It involves Interaction of words from a society and thus
COMMUNICATION
gives pleasure and an increased understanding of life.
Where language is a tool, communication is an experience. Being able to
communicate effectively is one of the most important life skills to learn. Communication
is defined as transferring information to produce greater understanding. Communication
is a process by which people send messages or exchange ideas or thoughts with one
another in verbal or non-verbal manner. It involves Interaction of words from a society and
thus gives pleasure and an increased understanding of life. It can be done vocally
(through verbal exchanges), through written media (books, websites, and magazines),
visually (using graphs, charts, and maps) or non-verbally (body language, gestures,
pitch of voice, and tone). All of these means of communication are essential Soft
Skills that are vital for a successful career.
Nature of Communication
1. Two-way process
2. Continuous process
3. Dynamic process
4. Mutual understanding
5. Goal-oriented
6. Human activity