Communication vs Language

Communication vs. Language

• Communication is the process of sending and receiving information, ideas, feelings, and messages.
• Language is a part of communication, but communication encompasses more than just language.
• Language is a system of abstract symbols with organized rules common to all human languages.
• All languages share a finite set of components, but each language utilizes a unique subset.
• Language comprehension and expression are inherent human abilities.

Expressive vs. Receptive Language

• Expressive language involves speaking, writing, texting, or other outward expressions of language.
• Receptive language entails processing information and ideas when interacting with others.

Pragmatics

• Pragmatics is the social use of language to build and maintain relationships.
• Examples include the polite ways to end a phone call.

Semantics

• Semantics focuses on the meaning behind words and how vocabulary constructs ideas through word relationships.
• An example of semantics is the creation of "social distancing" – combining existing words to create a new meaning.

Syntax

• Syntax involves the use of grammar and structural rules to link words.
• An example of syntax is a sentence with proper structure but lacking meaning, "Colorless green ideas sleep furiously".

Morphology

• Morphology focuses on the forms and meanings of morphemes (units of meaning that create words).
• Examples include adding "-ish" to adjectives to create nuanced meanings (e.g., "blue-ish," "neat-ish").

Subfields of Language

• Phonology: This deals with the use of sounds, considering phonotactic constraints (how sounds combine) and phonological rules (how sounds are pronounced). An example is "p" having a puff of air in certain words ("pie") but not others ("spy").
• Phonetics: This involves the articulation, perception, and acoustic properties of speech sounds. For example, the "t" sound in "wider" might be articulated differently than the "t" in "toe".

Speech vs. Language

• Speech is the spoken form of language.
• Speech and language are not interchangeable.
• Speech can exist without language, as seen by echolalia in young children.
• Language exists independently of speech, seen in sign language.

Characteristics of Human Speech

• Hockett's "13 design features" are a set of human speech characteristics, but many have been disputed since their inception.
• Some characteristics of human speech are shared with other species.

Speech Chain Model

• This model, although not outlined in detail here, describes the chain that produces and transmits speech through processes of production, transmission and perception.

Table 2: Characteristics Shared with Other Species or Limited/Rare in Humans

• Interchangeability: Unlimited communication exchange, regardless of age or gender.

• Semanticity and Indexicality: Use of background knowledge and context for communicating meaning.

• Productivity: Ability to creatively combine symbols for communication.

• Displacement: Communicating about events that are not present in time or place.

• Limited or Rare in Humans (but potentially shared with other species):

  • Duality of Patterning: The infinite possibilities of sound combinations for creating words and sentences.
  • Recursion: Complex and embedded word arrangements, allowing for phrases that do not follow standard rules.
  • Prevarication: Using language to deceive or for artistic expressions.
  • Reflexivity: Using language to talk about language.
  • Learnability: Acquiring language through environmental, cognitive, and social interactions.