Language is the primary means of preserving and transmitting culture (Porter 139). Language uses symbols (words) which are given sounds varying from culture to culture. The symbols are clumped together using different rules to form the actual language. These words are given meaning by the culture in which you live in.

Language has several different primary functions such as labeling, interaction, and transmission (139). Labeling serves to give identity to what is being talked about. The interaction function allows us to share ideas and emotions. Transmission is how we pass information on. Language has other functions as well. The most useful one is conversation.

Non-verbal communication sends messages that aren’t ever said. When you are having a conversation there are many parts of it that will trigger reactions, even if they aren’t directly talked about. For example, if someone is rolling there eyes or not making eye contact, you would think there was a lack of interest. Whether they be gestures or actions, a lot can be perceived from them. Non-verbal communication is used to express attitudes and emotions (168). Judgments and impressions are given off by this form of communication. You may think certain things and recieve different messages about someone because of their body language, the way they are dressed, or how loud they talk.

Complementing is similar to repeating, but differs in it adds more information to messages. It emphasizes or accents the verbal message that is being given. Facial expressions or physical contact along with the words are a good example of this function. Next is substituting. This is also similar to the first two, but these gestures or actions are done to substitute the words that would mean the same thing, and do not involve actual speech. Giving someone “the finger” would be substituting.

One has to ask, where would the world be without communication? Although it is very difficult to communicate with other cultures and languages, it is a must we try. There is so much to be learned from one another, we can’t let the language barrier hold us back. Studying non-verbal communication shows us what others see as accepta

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