Why Is Language Necessary For Effective Communication?

Superior Essays
The use of language is necessary for effective communication. As Gee and Hayes define, language is a ‘cognitive function’ as well as a ‘set of social conventions’, and can be considered a physical entity (2011, p. 6). Humans experience many diverse situations and settings, daily, in which language is needed. In these varying circumstances, differing expectations, demands, and understandings are placed on the language that is employed. Due to these differing situations people will employ different language registers, codes, syntax, pragmatics and semantics. Contrary to the many differences between oral and written language most writers discuss, Elbow (2010) argues that, as all writing can be spoken and all speech can be written down, the differences are less defined.

All people using English will communicate differently. It is important to consider that any interactions may occur between people who speak different languages, dialects or variations of English, or even use Auslan, and this will impact upon the type of register they employ. Age, gender and cultural background will also affect how different people interact and converse (Fellows & Oakley, 2014; Emmitt et al., 2010; Coulmas, 2005). The type of language used will be dependent on those participating in the conversation,
…show more content…
In the classroom the language teachers use is being subconsciously monitored and learnt by the students’ (Senior, 2006). Due to this, teachers will need to consciously use more formal language, for example, “Mark, do your work.” would need to be replaced with “Mark, what’s wrong? How can I help you concentrate?”. In comparison, students’ do not understand this subconscious learning, and will communicate with each other using informal, and perhaps colloquial, language, for instance “Sally, what’s the time?” or “That’s my ball,

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    At this stage, they may be learning more than one language and it may take them longer to speak. They will notice that although they use the English language at school, they may use another variation of English or completely different language at home. Teachers will need to become aware of these cultural backgrounds to build on the children’s strengths (Fellows & Oakes, 2010). Getting older, the children will come into contact with other different sources which will encourage them to notice the formality in speaking. When speaking to their friends they are able to speak informally, for example high fiving instead of saying ‘Hello’ rather than to a teacher where they will need to answer ‘Yes, Miss, No Miss’.…

    • 1468 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Content Area Literacy

    • 1031 Words
    • 5 Pages

    “The degree to which language conventions are similar to or different from those commonly understood can also affect complexity” (Frey & Fisher, 2013, p. 8). In addition, the relative background knowledge expected of each student, is different for each text given; which also plays into the complexity of a text. Qualitative evaluation can give us insight into what to…

    • 1031 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Spoken Language

    • 1514 Words
    • 7 Pages

    For example, students in the same class may have different pronunciation of words due to cultural interferences. The written language and the spoken language also vary within the same context. This is because people are more conscious when writing since it is permanent, “unlike speaking where the words pass without a permanent record” (Ministry of Education, 2015). This report outlines the differences between speaking and writing in various…

    • 1514 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    For example, talking in slang to their friends or being polite and proper when requesting something from a teacher (Margetts & Woolfolk, 2013, p. 106). The choice of reading material or assignment of tasks in the classroom also have an effect on children with subliminal messages. By middle school they will begin to read between the lines, such as understanding that when a teacher says “I see too many children around the craft table” it is an observation and a command (Margetts & Woolfolk, 2013, p. 106). It is important for children to learn the pragmatics of language, to ascertain when it is appropriate to speak and the choice of language used in varying contexts. Campbell and Green (2006) implores that literacy and language provide empowerment by providing individuals the ability to express their opinions and feelings, to have a…

    • 959 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    But language delays and aren’t always because of brain damage. There are many things that affect language development. Social influences, reading, standard of care, and language exposure are just the main ones. Social influences affect the way you pronounce certain words, whether or not you have an accent, phrasing and knowing what is socially acceptable to say. Exposure to language is definitely the most important of all the factors.…

    • 1141 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    A person’s point of view can be maintained by information, data, readings, symbols, record and facts (Communication Assessment & Learning Lab, 2013). Characteristics of the audience might influence in what way a communication is expected. People from diverse beliefs ponder about and reply to communications inversely. People of different age groups and ranks of self-confidence might similarly vary in what way effortlessly they are convinced. Persuasive messages follow different arrangements through cultures.…

    • 1124 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Why Does Language Differ

    • 1158 Words
    • 5 Pages

    How and why can language vary? No two individuals will sound the same, we all have subtle differences in the way we sound and how we speak which is unique to ourselves. Many differences in our language occur for many reasons such colonisation, immigration or invasion and can affect the dialect or accent that someone may have. Dialect The main question that is asked often is: What is a dialect and how does this affect the way in which language can vary. Dialect is an umbrella term used for a variety of linguistics features one of which is an Accent.…

    • 1158 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Virtual teams are made up of mostly diverse cultures. Culture makes it difficult to freely speak one’s mind in some cases (Nelson, 2015). These cultures have their own beliefs, customs, and work habits. With members have their own customs and beliefs, this can be a challenge with members following their own way of working. According to MVT, “the use of one common language in the team creates a need for certain skills that can unify these differences based on a series of agreements (Advantages, 2015).” Miscommunication between the employees is challenge of cultural diversity on virtual teams.…

    • 912 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    Okrent believed that our gestures and body languages expressed what we are saying and what we may not be verbally saying. However, gestures and body language can often be misinterpreted as each individual gesture and pose can vary. There are many variations of gestures and expressing feelings that it can be very complicated to distinguish the thoughts or feelings of others just through gesturing.…

    • 819 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Chapter 1 Introduction Getting students to speak English in class maybe the most difficult task many teachers face. This is based on my research and the experiences of other teachers who are teaching this subject. Students often think that the ability to speak a language is the product of language learning, but speaking is also a crucial part of the language learning process. Furthermore, speaking skills, like listening skills are often neglected in the classroom. From my experience, it is difficult for students to speak appropriate English in the classroom because of the limited language use in their real lives.…

    • 896 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays

Related Topics