The Nature of Language

Summary

The book ‘Understanding Human Communication’ talks about different characteristics of language, as being representational for example using varying sign languages in the world to mean the same thing. When we meet new people, we tend to categorize them into different symbols. One word can be viewed to mean different things to different people. This means that the meanings of words are in people’s minds and not in the words themselves. Utilization of language is governed by several rules including phonological, semantic, pragmatic rules and rules regarding syntax.

The writers tell us that the power of language is immense. Language, through our names, determines our own and other people’s attitudes towards us. Easier names to pronounce depict a person’s likeable characters as compared to those whose names are harder to pronounce. Complexity in language rather than meaningful content awards an individual substantial credibility in the professional and educational realms. A person’s status is judged from how they speak or present themselves. Language reflects the disposition of people and things in terms of authority, association, attraction and responsibility.

Specific languages and language use can create problems. Using relative words for comparison, abstract language and slang without comprehensible explanations can sometime lead to misunderstandings. For instance, slang is only understood by a specific group of people and can be used to talk about a person without their knowledge. Evasive language and confusing facts and inferences often lead to frustration. Emotive language, which depicts the speaker’s attitude and equivocal language are known to bring about misinterpretation and confusion.

The importance of gender in language operation varies in terms of content, reason and style. There are topics that are preferred by both genders and those that are specific for man and women. Men have humorous conversations for the sake of finishing a task or moving to the next agenda. Women on the other hand like to relate to the speakers as their conversations involve a lot of emotion. Women’s style of talking involves questions while men are known to interrupt the speakers. This difference promotes conversations between men and women. Different cultures have different languages and this difference makes it difficult to translate. The different language styles reflect the views, beliefs and lifestyles across cultures.

Application

Language is considered the number one medium of communication. The application of language is highly influenced by culture, gender and style of language. I apply language at home with my family members. We have our own language in the house for example we say, “I am on the brink” to mean, “I am hungry”. When I am upset, the only languages I use are my tears. I also apply language with my cousin Lola, she is deaf therefore I use sign language when communicating with her. When I go to school, the language that I use is more refined because I have to follow the rules of language when talking and writing. During debate sessions in class, we are expected to speak in correct English and ask as many questions as possible. My friends and I use slang when not in school. This helps us to talk about other people behind their backs. I use language when writing text messages to my friends and family. I offer English tutoring classes to the store manager because she only speaks Japanese.