Summary of Language as Communication and Linguistic Theories

## Introduction Language is the primary human tool for sharing thoughts, feelings and information. This guide explains language as communication, compares oral and written forms, describes the main functions of language, and outlines the factors that define a communicative situation. Examples, comparisons and classroom illustrations are included to make the concepts concrete for a not-attending student. > **Definition:** Language is a communication system that uses signs (spoken, written, visual, or tactile) to express thoughts, emotions and information. ## 1. Language as Communication Language appears whenever a message is transmitted. Communication can occur through many channels (sound, writing, gestures, smell in animals) but human language has special features. ### Key ideas - Language transmits meaning between a sender and a receiver. - Human language uses arbitrary symbols organized by grammar and shared by a community. - The origin of language is debated: some theories see it as an innate human capacity (e.g. Chomsky), others stress social and evolutionary development. > **Definition:** Speech (or parole) is the individual use of a shared language; language (or langue) is the abstract system of rules and signs shared by a community (Saussure). Did you know that The Ethnologue listed about 6809 languages in the world, though the exact number varies with classification? ## 2. Functions of Language (Jakobson) Roman Jakobson identified six main functions of language. Each highlights a different focus of communication. - **Referential function:** Focus on context; gives information about the world. Example: "It is time to go home." - **Conative function:** Focus on the receiver; commands, requests, or addresses. Example: "María, start your presentation." - **Phatic function:** Focus on the channel; checks or maintains communication. Example: "Can everybody hear me?" - **Metalinguistic function:** Focus on the code; language about language. Example: "Adjectives are words that modify nouns." - **Poetic function:** Focus on the message form; aesthetic use of language (poetry, slogans). Example: a short rhyme highlighting adjectives. - **Expressive (emotive) function:** Focus on the sender; expresses feelings. Example: "I am very happy with your presentation." Practical classroom example: a teacher asks students to present (conative), checks the microphone (phatic), explains a grammar point (metalinguistic), praises students (expressive) and students finish with a poem (poetic) while referring to facts about adjectives (referential). ## 3. Oral vs. Written Language Both are systems of communication but differ in several dimensions. The table below summarizes main contrasts. | Feature | Oral language | Written language | |---|---:|---:| | Primary channel | Sound, gestures, body language | Visual symbols on a medium | Time and feedback | Synchronous; immediate feedback possible | Often asynchronous; delayed or no feedback | Grammar and structure | More flexible, fragmented, spontaneous | More structured, planned, cohesive | Use of paralinguistic cues | Intonation, stress, pauses, gestures | Punctuation, layout, emoticons (online) | Acquisition order | Acquired naturally first (listening, then speaking) | Learned later (reading and writing) | | Permanence | Transient (unless recorded) | More permanent, can be revised and stored | > **Definition:** Paralinguistic cues are non-verbal elements (intonation, gestures, facial expression) that accompany spoken language and affect meaning. Examples and notes: - In conversation you can ask clarifying questions and repair misunderstandings instantly; in a letter or email you cannot always do that. - Online written communication sometimes merges features: emojis and punctuation convey emotion or intonation. Fun fact: Many world languages are spoken but have no standard written form, so communities rely entirely on oral transmission of knowledge and culture. ## 4. Communicative