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The Importance Of Language In Communication

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Language has an array of layers that generate and promote a vast degree of social and cultural interactions, contributing to the communications of humans in each aspect of their lives. As Vyvyan Evans (2014) states ‘language is central to our lives, and is arguably the cultural tool that sets humans, us, apart from any other species’. (p.1)

Language has an indefinite list of rules, conventions and ideas that come together to create communications among humans across the world. When described, language can be defined as an object by it’s various definitions which include the functions of language, material forms, language as a system, social semiotics, language variations and syntax in sentences among adults and children.

The functions of language can be easily described as the ‘use’ of language for a range of different reasons in order to talk, write, listen, read. (Halliday, 1985, p.1). These functions may be for personal, interpersonal, directive, referential and imaginative reasons. Personal may be expression of ones feelings, thoughts and ideas. Interpersonal would include discussion, social chat and sharing ideas or concerns, which may possibly occur in a work place or in general situations. Directive might be to influence the actions of others, which might occur in leadership roles. Referential is reporting actions or events. Finally, imaginative encompasses storytelling and problem solving. Theorists including Malinowski, Buhler, Britton and Morris categorised the
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