Wisdom and Folly of Communication
How Language Makes or Unmakes Understanding among Humans
Ever experienced miscommunication? Knowing the dynamics in the expression of thought is crucial in getting the message right.
Language considered as an invaluable tool in human civilization has been the subject of various inquiries since time immemorial.
Humans interact and communicate because of language. They are able to meet at a common ground and accomplish something all because language is there as a vehicle of their thoughts or emotions.
Unlike animals, humans have a far more developed system of communication which comes in a form of speech and even coupled with gestures. Animals, on the other and, make use of body movements or sounds, as in a dog’s bark, in order to communicate with their own kind.
However, the human language may be that developed but still instances of “miscommunication” happen. This means a message conveyed by one person may be understood vaguely or be interpreted downright wrong.
Such an instance denotes a failure in communication or a communication gap. How does this happen?
Imagine how a word of concern could be interpreted as an insult. A case of this kind happened when one participant of an international forum was said to have arrived at the venue, looking haggard as he came off a long trip. He was met with somebody of another nationality and the latter said to the former: “I know where you are coming from.”
At this remark, the newly arrived participant fumed in anger to the great surprise of the other person. What was meant to be a word of concern over the trip’s tiring effect was interpreted as a personal attack or insult.
There was apparently a difference on the context upon which the statement was said. When this occurs, understanding of the message’s true intent is in peril. Just one line but misunderstanding such could mean trouble.
However there are ambiguities in language that are structural in nature, not contextual. Consider this phrase: “An English history teacher.”
There is no problem with the phrase. It is grammatically correct. But such could have two messages or interpretations. One: A teacher who teaches English history. Two: An English teacher (or noting of the teacher’s nationality) who teaches history.
Linguistics, the science which deals with the study of language, delves into the intricacies of human language. Situations pointed out above are a concern of this science.
Linguistics basically concerns with the humans’ acquisition of language, how language is processed in the mind, and how people use the language.
With the fluidity and dynamics in human communication, to veer away from miscommunication, it is always wise to double check and ask the message sender if your interpretation is right.
