The Importance Of Language In Education

Language is the foundation for all academic and social skills and the basis for strong relationships with children

Language is an object that is central to human lives as it is perhaps the most significant cultural tool that separates humans from any other species (Evans, 2014). As language is multimodal, it is often described as a combination of words, sounds, gestures and images created by the mind, used in context with the assistance of objects, actions and interactions (Gee & Hayes, p. 7, 2011). The topics discussed in this essay will demonstrate the importance of language as both an object and as a social process, as a teacher’s approach to diversity in the classroom can be either damaging to a student’s educational experience or uplifting and positive.

Language is an integral part of human existence. It is not only a crucial tool in which we use to convey meaning to others, but also a cultural construct passed down from previous generations that helps to define who we are and how we relate to others. Ultimately language defines our relationships with others, the way we use language is shaped by our own socio- cultural background and also that of whoever we may be communicating with. Self awareness of how our own use of language has been shaped by our background and an understanding of what shapes others use of language leads to better communication, understanding and empathy.

Language has different meanings and is used to describe something physically presented in the world. It is distinguished among terms such as oral language, written language, and language itself. Oral language is the primary form of language and written language comes second. An individual’s social class can influence the way language is written and spoken. Language is ideological, where an individual’s view of the world can be changed. Multi-literacies can influence the way texts are viewed and the child's access to it can shape their journey with language. Educators guidance on their students can affect the child's skills and learning of language. Language has its many purposes and forms in which are influenced by culture and religions.

As small children we can see language is our building block to development. Without language we are not able to develop and grow properly. We use language for more than just communicating our need, language is used to help us develop our mind and our thinking process.

Throughout the history of language, we have developed such a strong understanding on the effects of communication and how as humans we need this social standard to ultimately survive and get through day to day tasks, in this piece I am going to explore how at different points in time and different social standards how if we derive social context and human interaction from communication it separates and completely takes away from the sole purpose of ‘language’. We will look at how children in the classroom are constantly seeking cognitive challenges and how to attach information and knowledge into the process of developing a structured vocabulary and grammar system to communicate to the others around them, and how throughout time our need for

Language is a universal mode of communication among humans that separates them from other beings. Indeed, language can be verbalized or comprise of non-verbal cues. In addition, development of language of a sign of growth and development in individuals and experts in a language are usually considered as proficient and effective communicators because the meanings of their language are concise and thus received as intended. Environments such as institutions of higher learning are a good place to observe the use of language because they epitomize social learning environments where people from different cultures interact linguistically.

Through language one can connect with other people and make sense of their experiences. Imagine what it must be like for their child to develop these skills that one takes for granted. As a parent, teacher, or other type of caregiver, you shape a child’s language development to reflect the identity, values, and experiences of their family and community. Therefore, it is up to one own self to create a warm and comfortable environment in which their child can grow to learn the complexities of language. The communication skills that their child learns early in life will be the foundation for his or her communication abilities for the future. Strong language skills are an asset that will promote a lifetime of effective communication.

I have learnt that language can be cognitive, material or social (Gee & Hayes, 2011). Some view language as a set of social conventions, shared by a group of people about how to communicate such as classroom or sporting rules, often supplied in books and followed by people. Children don’t read books so social conventions need to be taught by modelling behaviour and communication.

Through the readings this week it has been reinforced to me that language is an important aspect of life which is used in many different ways in our day-to-day life. Gee and Hayes (2011), view “language as something physically present in the world” and “is present in the form of speech, audio recordings, and writings believing language is a material object”, (p.6).

Language is a critical element in every person’s life. It is simultaneously shared between people and belonging to each individual on their own. Language is a cognitive phenomenon as well as a physical object, it is used by adults and children in order to create relationships, express oneself and communicate ideas. There are many different forms of language and methods of communicating. The diversity of languages is typically marked by various ethnic communities and social networks as standard language constantly develops and evolves with societal changes. The essay will discuss how language interacts with the personal expression, empowerment, identity and communication skills of children during the early years and schooling period.

'Language plays a vital role in the personal and social development of children. It enables them to gain an understanding of themselves and others and strengthens their social relationships.'

Language is a means of communication that people use to interact with others in society. Generally, language comprises vocal sounds to which meanings have been assigned by cultural convention and often supplemented by various gestures. (Sharma, 30) For any 'normal' person, language is no longer viewed as a tool to acquire: language is placed as a standard and basic skill, almost being considered given at birth. Such an idea about language is reasonable when taking into account how the development of speech and language is acquired in early childhood. But as a rule, such a 'standard and basic' process of language development is only relevant to 'normal'

Viewing language is an object is a very practical and necessary way of viewing it, but it is also a very narrow view. To widen our knowledge and to be able to teach language effectively, it must also be viewed as a broader social process.

When we interact with someone for the first time, read our favorite novel, and even take a trip outside of our hometown our language was impacted at some point. Language is a tool that has shaped my own character and made me the young lady that I am today. Language allows us to negotiate. Without language, society would not be able to function because there is no communication. We cannot learn properly because it hinders our well-being that enables us to evoke feelings and thoughts. Even though language has made an impact in my life through interacting with individuals on an interpersonal level, it has improved my reading and writing abilities because of two major events in my life.