Distinguishing Language from Communication

Language vs Communication

The primary distinction between language and communication is that language serves as a mode of communication. In essence, language is a medium employed for transforming messages between individuals. The terms language and communication have distinct meanings and connotations. Language refers to words, whether spoken or written, while communication encompasses the message itself.

Language is literary in nature, whereas communication is verbal or written in nature. This is one of the primary differences between the two terms. It is interesting to note that the adjectival forms of language and communication are “linguistic” and “communicative,” respectively, as seen in the phrases “linguistic ability” and “communicative skills.” Both terms are used as nouns, while the word communication also has a verbal form in “communicating.”

What does Language mean?

Language represents words, whether written or spoken. Consider the following two sentences:

1. His language is good.
2. He was offered French as his second language.

In both sentences, the word “language” is used to represent the words involved. Therefore, the first sentence implies that the words he uses are good, and the second sentence refers to French as the person’s second language. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, language is “the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.”

What does Communication mean?

Communication, on the other hand, is focused on the message and the passing and receiving of information. Consider the following two sentences:

1. His communication was excellent.
2. He lacked proper communication.

In both sentences, the word “communication” is used to convey the message. The first sentence implies that his message was excellent, while the second sentence means that he lacked proper messaging skills or the ability to effectively pass and receive information. The Oxford English Dictionary defines communication as “the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.”

The word “communication” is also used in figurative expressions, such as “communication gap” and “mass communication.”

What is the difference between Language and Communication?

  • Language represents words, whether written or spoken.
  • Communication is centered around the message, which is the main difference between the two terms.
  • Language is literary in nature, while communication is verbal or written in nature.
  • The term “communication” is used in figurative expressions, such as “communication gap” and “mass communication.”
  • Language is a method of communication.

These are the differences between language and communication.

Gil Tillard
Gil Tillard
Gil Tillard is an accomplished writer with expertise in creating engaging articles and content across various platforms. His dedication to research and crafting high-quality content has led to over 5 years of professional writing and editing experience. In his personal life, Gil enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. His curiosity and eagerness to learn from others fuel his passion for communication. He believes that engaging with strangers can be both enlightening and enjoyable, making it easier to strike up conversations and expand one's horizons.

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