The Usage of Language in Enhancing Communication

Processes

Dr. Radhika Kapur

Abstract

The main objective of this research paper is to acquire an efficient understanding in

terms of how usage of language leads to enhancement of communication processes. When the
individuals are to communicate with each other within as well as outside the homes, then
communication processes can be facilitated, when the individuals are well-aware in terms of
common language. In other words, both the senders and the receivers need to be well-aware
in terms of common language. It is important for the individuals to generate awareness in
terms of functions of language. Furthermore, they need to work diligently to up-grade their
language skills on a continuous basis. When the individuals are paying attention towards up-
grading of language skills, they need to ensure they implement norms, values, morality,
ethics and principles. During the childhood stage, the parents at home and teachers in school
provide information to the individuals in terms of these aspects. But when the individuals
grow, they are able to generate awareness in terms of these through life experiences. Making
use of language in an appropriate manner is the key to promoting enrichment of one’s overall
quality of lives. The main areas that have been taken into account in this research paper
include, meaning and significance of language in communication, functions of language, and
relationship between language and communication.

Keywords: Communication, Functions, Language, Living Conditions, Skills,

Strategies, Traditions

Language is regarded as the indispensable means of communication among the

members of the society. In the expression of values, norms, cultures and principles, language
is regarded as the fundamental aspect. It is the tool that conveys the traditions and values
related to the group identity. In the usage of language as a source of communication, it is vital
to ensure that the individuals communicate with each other using the same language. The
utilization of same language is the most certain proof of the historical continuity of the
individuals. This function is related to the social nature of language. On the other hand, there
are interdependency and mutual conditionality relations between language occurrence and the
society with inherent culture. It is necessary to take into account several aspects of language,
such as, speaking and writing, while also taking into account the endeavour. Communication
takes place in an oral and in a written form (SIRBU, 2015).

The need to communicate activates both the occurrence and the development of a
language and this need arises and becomes stronger to a major extent. Society acquires self-
awareness through the contact and communication that takes place between its members. The
meaning and significance of communication between individuals equates the significance of
language. The important factors of communication are respect and courtesy. In other words,
when the individuals are communicating with each other, they need to ensure they are polite,
respectful and courteous. Hence, language is regarded as indispensable for the development
and well-being of the individuals. As a tool of communication among the members of the
community, language is influenced by the society, where it functions. Moreover, being the
most significant tool of communication, one particular language is mastered by individuals,
i.e. Latin, Greek, French, English and so forth. It is mostly used as the determining feature in
encouraging these individuals into the separate group as the individuals, nation and state
(SIRBU, 2015).

As a tool of communication among the members of the society, language is

influenced by the society, where it is put into operation. In the terms of linguistics, which is
fundamentally a theoretical science. It is important to differentiate between the act of
speaking and language. Speaking is regarded as specific and concrete. It is the linguistic
process as such in the act of communication. It is an individual aspect of language. Language
on contrary is regarded as the general, abstract aspect and the sum of the organization skills
and principles. It is the system that governs any concrete act of communication. Linguistics
generally pays more attention to language. It is a completely social aspect, the one that can
act as the means of communication. Language can be analysed and described under several
criteria, coming to different results. The language is influenced by factors within the
community, in which it renders an important contribution (SIRBU, 2015). It is important for
the individuals, belonging to various categories and backgrounds to augment their
knowledge, competencies and aptitude related to language. Therefore, it is regarded as an
important tool for communication.

Meaning and Significance of Language in Communication

 Language is basically a system of communication, where sound or signs conveys
objects, actions, or ideas. The history of language dates back to thousands of years. Language
is primarily spoken and not written. But in the development of the writing medium, at the
later stage, the printing medium underwent changes and it began to be made use of to a major
extent. Language is regarded as the key aspect in enriching human lives. When the
individuals will be fluent in the utilization of language, they will be able to promote social
skills and increase their social circle. It is comprehensively understood that to enrich one’s
lives, the individuals need to socialize and collaborate with others. Through staying in
seclusion, the individuals will not be able to lead to progression and well-being. Therefore, it
is indispensable to form a social circle (Chapter I. Importance of Language in Society, n.d.).

Language is regarded as the tool, which is used to convey ideas and perspectives to
others. Furthermore, it is also made use of to receive ideas and viewpoints from others. The
language is made use of in a verbal, non-verbal and written form. The individuals make use
of signs and gestures in communicating. It is different from signs and gestures, as it makes
use of sounds, which are meaningful to the users as well as to the listeners. The sounds of
speech are consciously and normally expressed and are differentiated from the emotional
sounds which are mechanically and purposefully expressed under the influence of pleasure,
annoyance, anxiety and amazement. There are two aspects of language, namely, the inner one
relating to the meaning, one wishes to express and the outer one is related to expression.
When there are occurrence of any types of changes within the community in terms of various
factors, such as, social, cultural, economic, political and so forth, then there are changes
taking place in language as well (Chapter I. Importance of Language in Society, n.d.).

Language is evolutionary and not static. Changes may take place in pronunciation,
grammar and usage of words. Research studies have indicated that in some cases, the
individuals are not fluent with the usage of language. In such cases, it is vital for them to
practice the language, so they are able to develop articulacy. Language is therefore regarded
as the constant state of change. It ceases to bring about transformations, only when it is no
longer made use of. A spoken language is regarded as the system of arbitrary vocal symbols,
by which the human beings communicate and co-operate with one another. In human beings,
speech and vocal sounds are made use of for the articulation of definite sounds, which when
arranged according to the set patterns, form the words of the given language. It is generally
the case that states that there is not any general connection between the linguistic form and its
meaning. The development of ideas, perspectives and principles are regarded as vital in the
development of language (Chapter I. Importance of Language in Society, n.d.).

Language is regarded as the medium through which the individuals are able to work
in collaboration and integration with each other. Through this tool, the individuals are not
only able to exchange ideas and viewpoints, but they make provision of help and assistance to
each other and form amiable terms and relationships with each other. In order to enrich one’s
lives and achieve personal and professional goals, it is vital for the individuals to augment
language. Language dissipates superfluous and nervous energy, which directs the emotions of
both the individuals and human beings (Chapter I. Importance of Language in Society, n.d.).
In some cases, language is regarded as an organized noise, used in social situations. One of
the important factors that needs to be taken into account in the utilization of language are, the
individuals need to make use of it in a decent manner. In other words, they need to inculcate
the traits the morality and ethics.

Society is responsible for progression and up-gradation of the individuals. When it is

stated that society is responsible for progression and up-gradation, it highlights the fact that it
is of utmost significance for individuals to communicate with the individuals within the
society. All the individuals aim to promote better livelihoods opportunities and sustain their
living conditions in an appropriate manner. In order to sustain one’s living conditions in an
appropriate manner, it is indispensable for the individuals to communicate with each other. In
order to lead to effective communication, it is vital for the individuals to make use of
language. The individuals are required to communicate with others not only within homes,
but also outside the homes in various places, including, neighbourhood, educational
institutions, employment settings, financial institutions, and public places. Therefore, in order
to receive support and assistance from others to carry out one’s tasks and activities, it is
necessary for the individuals to enhance their language skills.

The individuals put into operation various types of measures and approaches that are
necessary in leading to development of language skills. One of the important approaches is
getting enrolled in educational institutions and training centres and pursuing programs.
Furthermore the individuals need to get engaged in practice exercises. Another approach is,
they are required to make use of the language in order to hone their writing skills. When the
individuals are making use of language in writing, they need to ensure, they take into account
factors such as, grammar, punctuation, spellings, words and so forth. Making use of language
in a verbal manner is regarded as manageable as compared to writing. Language has a
representational character and this itself makes the language subjective. However,
subjectivity does not give the speaker the freedom to use whatever sound or sequence of
sounds, with which the meaning is associated. One of the major limitations is, it is difficult to
provide explanation of the connection between the word, which is sound combination or the
sound itself, i.e. symbol for the sound unit and the thing it stands for (Chapter I. Importance
of Language in Society, n.d.).

Functions of Language

When conducting research on language and understanding the meaning and

significance of language, it is comprehensively understood that when the individuals are
making use of this tool in an efficient manner, they are able to enrich their lives. Therefore,
one of the major uses of language is acknowledged in sustenance of one’s living conditions in
an adequate manner and in achieving personal and professional goals. The various functions
of language have been stated as follows:

Expressing Thoughts, Viewpoints and Ideas – Expressing thoughts, viewpoints and

ideas are regarded as an integral part of the lives of the individuals. The individuals not only
are required to possess the skills, but also enhance their confidence levels and possess self-
reliance as well to express their thoughts, viewpoints and ideas (Gross, 2018). Within homes
with family members as well as outside the homes with community members, friends, and
other individuals in educational institutions and employment settings, the individuals make
use of language to express their thoughts, viewpoints and ideas. When the individuals are
expressing thoughts, viewpoints and ideas, they need to ensure that others are able to
understand them in an appropriate manner. Expressing of thoughts, viewpoints and ideas
enables the individuals to alleviate their problems and concerns and obtain support and
assistance from others. Therefore, it is comprehensively believed that implementation of this
task in an appropriate manner requires the individuals to up-grade their language skills and it
is regarded as an important function of language.

Communication of Information – The usage of language enables the individuals to

communicate information of different types. Information that is exchanged between the
individuals is related to numerous areas. These include, home, family, health, finances,
environment, education, career, jobs, travel, culture, society, economy, politics, and so forth.
When the individuals are making use language to communicate various kinds of information
to others, then also they understand that communication of information is an important
function of language. When communication of information takes place, language is made use
of to inform others, asking them to carry out various tasks and activities and to express
feelings, moods, ideas, information and experiences. As when individuals are speaking, in
other words, communicating orally, these aspects are regarded as an integral part of their
personalities. Therefore, communication of information is an important function of language.

Different from Sign Language – The language, which is made use of to implement the
communication process among individuals is different from sign language. The human
beings, who primarily suffer from speech disabilities and hearing impairments are the ones,
who are communicated with through sign language. Hence, one of the important functions of
language is to ensure that communication through signs, and gestures are different. The
communication processes, therefore have to be between individuals by means of speech and
hearing. The sounds produced by individuals is termed as the social aspect of language and it
facilitates communication. Therefore, when communication takes place through sign
language or verbal or written forms of communication, the individuals are able to recognise
the significance of language. When it is recognized that language is different from sign
language, its functions are acknowledged (Chapter I. Importance of Language in Society,
n.d.).

Linguistic and Communicative Competence – Language constitutes both linguistic

and communicative competence. It is referred to as an abstract set of psychological principles
and sociological considerations that constitutes the competence of the individuals as speakers
in a given situation. This function enables the individuals to obtain access to unlimited
number of sentences that one can draw upon in concrete situations and make provision of
aptitude and capabilities to form new sentences (Chapter I. Importance of Language in
Society, n.d.). For instance, when the individual, who is pursuing a training program in
business management is asked to speak on leadership, he makes use of linguistic and
communicative competence. This function in most cases is put into operation in educational
institutions and organizations, particularly, when the individuals are giving speeches,
presentations, lectures, participating in discussion meetings and so forth. Therefore, it is
regarded as an important function that contributes in improving language skills.

Expressive Function – Language has an expressive function. The expressive function

is demonstrated in an appropriate manner through the use of stories and poetry. When
composing a poem, a poet is not really concerned with passing on information. Poets and
story tellers are not only making an attempt to impart knowledge and understanding among
the individuals regarding various perspectives, but are able to express certain aspects. In the
same manner, when the teachers, instructors, employers, supervisors and other individuals are
making use of language to provide knowledge, understanding, ideas and viewpoints, they are
able to recognise that language has an expressive function. Expressive language has two
component elements, one is made use of to express the attitudes and feelings of the speakers
and secondly, it is used to evoke the same feeling or attitude of the hearer. Both these
purposes can be served simultaneously. Therefore, expressive function is regarded as one of
the indispensable functions of language (Chapter I. Importance of Language in Society, n.d.).

Generating Awareness in terms of Other Cultures – In educational institutions as well

as in employment settings, the individuals are different from each other in terms of number of
factors, these include, caste, creed, race, religion, ethnicity, job duties, educational
qualifications, age, gender, socio-economic background and cultures. It is comprehensively
understood that within the workplaces, the individuals are required to communicate with each
other formally as well as informally. On the other hand, the students need to communicate in
order to achieve academic goals. It is common that individuals are different from each other
in terms of cultures as well as other factors. Due to these there are differences in ways of
communication. But they need to form positive viewpoints and accept each other’s cultures,
as well as other factors. Through making use of language, in other words, through
communicating, the individuals will generate awareness in terms of other cultures. Therefore,
it can be stated that one of the important functions of language is generating awareness in
terms of other cultures.

Augmenting Morality and Ethics – Morality and ethics are regarded as crucial factors,
which the individuals need to inculcate among themselves irrespective of their categories and
backgrounds. Augmenting morality and ethics has proven to be beneficial and favourable to
the individuals in number of ways. These include, maintaining amiable terms and
relationships with others, acquiring promotional opportunities, achieving personal and
professional goals in a well-organized manner, emerging into productive human beings and
enriching one’s overall quality of lives. Through making use of the tool of language, the
individuals are able to generate awareness in terms of the traits of morality and ethics. The
information is acquired through various ways. These include, communicating with other
individuals, technologies, internet, radio, television programs, books and other reading
materials. Furthermore, it is necessary for the individuals to recognize that augmenting
morality and ethics is indispensable in their lives. Therefore, when one understands the
meaning and significance of morality and ethics, they realise that augmenting morality and
ethics is one of the central functions of language.

Augmenting Socialization – Augmenting socialization is regarded as one of the

indispensable functions of language. Research studies on socialization have indicated that
loneliness is a chronic and a distressful state and causes psychological problems among
individuals. In order to alleviate loneliness and psychological problems as well as to promote
well-being, it is necessary for the individuals to augment socialization. Language is regarded
as one of the indispensable tools that is used to augment socialization. In simple terms, when
the individuals are speaking to each other appropriately, have frequent contacts or are
working with each other, they are able to develop mutual understanding and friendships.
When the individuals have frequent contacts and social terms with relatives and friends, it is
stated that they have a good social circle. In order to augment socialization, the individuals
need to make use of language in an appropriate manner. Therefore, it is stated that one of the
important functions of language is, it renders a significant contribution in augmenting
socialization.

Implementation of Tasks and Activities Appropriately – The implementation of

various tasks and activities in an appropriate manner require the individuals to enhance their
language skills. These tasks and activities can be within as well as outside the home. There
are number of tasks and activities, which the individuals may carry out on their own,
independently, whereas, there are other tasks and activities, in terms of which they need to
obtain ideas and suggestions as well as take help from others. When the individuals are
required to obtain help and assistance from others, they need to make use of the tool of
language in an appropriate manner. Within organizations, the individuals are required to work
on projects. When they are group projects, the individuals need to work in collaboration and
integration with each other. Hence, when the individuals need to work in collaboration and
integration with each other and implement tasks and activities appropriately, they need to
augment their language skills. Therefore, it can be stated that implementation of tasks and
activities appropriately is an important function of language.

Creation of Sociable Terms and Relationships with Others – In order to enrich one’s
lives and achieve personal and professional goals, it is necessary for the individuals to create
sociable terms and relationships with others. The others include, family members, relatives,
friends, neighbours, community members, employers, colleagues, instructors, supervisors,
fellow students and so forth. In the creation of sociable terms and relationships with others, it
is vital for the individuals to make use of language skills in an appropriate manner. Language
is regarded as an instrument that would enable the individuals to communicate with each
other in a verbal as well as written form. When the individuals are speaking to each other as
well as communicating through letters, emails, messages, notices and so forth, then they are
able to create sociable terms and relationships with others. It is essential for the individuals to
make use of the tool of language in an efficient and professional manner. Therefore, it is an
important function of language to facilitate the creation of sociable terms and relationships
with others.

Relationship between Language and Communication

Language and communication are regarded as factors, which are different from each
other. One needs the other and at the same time exists separately. Language is regarded as the
communication system, which is made up of a group of written and sound symbols that
individuals, belonging to the same country or region make use of for writing and speaking
(Language and Communication, 2018). On the other hand, in sending as well as receiving
messages as well, it is vital for the individuals to make use of appropriate language. In the
communication processes, the individuals make use of language in exchanging ideas and
perspectives. When the individuals are speaking to each other, in other words, when they are
communicating in an oral manner, they make use of various languages, i.e. English, Hindi,
Punjabi, Bengali and so forth. On the other hand, when they are making use of language to
communicate in a written form, they usually make use of English. In educational institutions
as well as in various types of organizations, the individuals communicate with each other in a
written form, through English language.

In the communication process, the individuals exchange with each other information
and messages through various means. It could be verbally, non-verbally through signs and
gestures, graphical as well as written and sound symbols. The individuals apart from making
use of technologies make use of charts, graphs, images, sounds, symbols, drawings, info-
graphics, or through signals. Language, on the other hand, renders a significant contribution
in the communication process. Individuals not only in India, but in other countries of the
world as well make use of specific language in communicating. This indicates the fact that
language and communication are intertwined. These are related to each other, but these are
regarded as different aspects. In simple words, the individuals make use of language in
promoting communication among the individuals in an appropriate manner. One of the
important factors that need to be taken into consideration are, the language should be
understandable to both the senders and the receivers of information and messages (Language
and Communication, 2018).

Language facilitates the communication processes between two or more individuals.

When the individuals are making use of language in an effective manner to impart
information to the other individuals, they are making use of language in facilitating
communication (Surbhi, 2018). In other words, language is referred to as the medium for
communication. One of the important factors that individuals need to take into account is,
when they are making use of the tool of language within as well as outside the homes, they
need to take into account the traits of civility and graciousness. It is necessary to make use of
decent words in communicating. In the process of communication, language has an important
role to play. It is comprehensively believed that these two terms are interrelated and the
individuals are not able to recognise the difference straightforwardly. Therefore, it can be
stated, communication is facilitated through the use of language and there is a close
relationship between these two concepts.

It is vital for the individuals to generate awareness and augment one’s understanding
in terms of measures and strategies that are necessary in order to bring about improvements
in the communication processes. One of the important ways is, the individuals need to ensure
they provide factual information, which would be advantageous. Other strategies include,
abiding by norms, values, standards and principles, inculcating the traits of diligence,
resourcefulness and conscientiousness and generating adequate information in terms of job
duties and responsibilities. When the individuals generate awareness in terms of these factors,
they are able to lead to up-gradation of communication skills and the tool of language. The
individuals, belonging to various categories and backgrounds need to pay attention towards
the up-gradation of language and communication skills throughout their lives. These concepts
need to be focused upon throughout the lives of the individuals and are regarded as lifelong
processes. Therefore, it is comprehensively understood that there is close relationship
between language and communication.

Conclusion
 Language is regarded as an important tool through which communication is facilitated
among the individuals in a verbal, non-verbal and written form. From the stage of early
childhood, the individuals obtain guidance from family members within homes and teachers
in schools to augment the tool of language. It is regarded as an indispensable tool that is
needed to work towards up-gradation of communication. The need to communicate initiates
both the occurrence and the development of a language. Language is fundamentally a system
of communication, where sound or signs transfers articles, activities, conceptions or thoughts.
The various functions of language are, expressing thoughts, viewpoints and ideas,
communication of information, different from sign language, linguistic and communicative
competence, expressive function, generating awareness in terms of other cultures,
augmenting morality and ethics, augmenting socialization, implementation of tasks and
activities appropriately and creation of sociable terms and relationships with others. Apart
from these functions, one of the major functions of language is to lead to enrichment in the
overall lives of the individuals. There is a close relationship between language and
communication. Finally, it can be stated that up-gradation of language skills are regarded as
fundamental in facilitating the individuals to achieve personal and professional goals and
sustaining one’s living conditions in a well-organized manner.
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