Page 59 - Effective Communication Soft Skills Strategies For Success by Nitin Bhatnagar, Mamta Bhatnagar

Project Name: Manual for Soft Skills
ACE Pro India Pvt. Ltd.
\\mtpdy01\Womat\Indesign\Bhatnagar-Manual for Soft skills\06-Pagination\06-A-Finals\06-AA-Appl\Bhatnagar_Chapter 03.indd

Channels of Communication | 47

Language can be defined as a system of orderly vocal sounds and com-
binations of sounds manipulated by one individual (the sender) to form
a message which will facilitate the creation of a meaning in the mind of

another individual (the receiver). Language is essentially a system of inter-
related parts working together as a whole. Communication is most effective
when all the parts of the system are working together smoothly. Orderly
vocal sounds help the receiver to recognize and identify the sounds or the
combination of sounds. As we learn to talk, we learn not only to produce
sounds that will be recognized, but also to combine units of sounds into
more complex structures, for example, expressions such as ‘Want water’
becomes ‘May I have a glass of water?’. What makes human language unique
is that humans are able to manipulate language in a manner that satisfies
their needs. Individuals, thus, make functional use of language. We vocalize
some sounds to another person to achieve some results. The intent of the
communicator is not just to vocalize, but also to create a message with those
sound combinations, so as to receive particular response from the receiver.
The message so formulated is focused on the receiver. If the receiver under-
stands the message, then, the first step has been taken in the creation of a
communication cycle between sender and receiver. Recognizing the signs
transmitted by the sender, the receiver can assign a meaning to those words.
A meaning is assigned when the receiver interprets the message sent. The
language system is functioning properly when the meaning received is vquite
similar to that intended.
Language has sound and form and is made up of parts that work
together. These parts may not mean anything individually. Language has
context, and is influenced by the social context in which it operates. The
signal that has one effect in a particular context may have an entirely different
effect in another context. Words have numerous meanings. The meaning is
determined by the context in which the word is used. Language has symbols.
When we voice sound in a particular way, we are creating stimuli. As we
learn to use language we learn that these stimuli stand for certain objects
or referents. Thus, we know that the utterance of the word ‘table’ stands for
a piece of furniture. Language has utility. It is functional and is used for
specific purposes. Language has capacity because it is used as a tool. It has
the ability to adapt to changing social conditions.

LANGUAGE AS A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

There are a number of languages that are used in verbal communication.
There are approximately 3,500 languages identified worldwide as of now.
However, while speech is common to all societies, writing is not. The number

Bhatnagar_Chapter 03.indd 47 2011-06-23 7:51:17 PM
Modified Date: Thu, Jun 23, 2011 06:24:00 PM Output Date: Thu, Jun 23, 2011 07:51:15 PM
TEMPLATE Page Number: PB