While communication refers to the interchange of message or information from one person to another, either verbally or non-verbally. On the other hand, language is a human communication method, used in a particular region or community, for imparting a message, to each other. These two terms are so closely intertwined that people cannot easily recognise their difference and end up using them synonymously. But, in reality, there exist a fine line of difference between language and communication.
Content: Language Vs Communication
|Basis for Comparison||Language||Communication|
|Meaning||Language implies the system of communication which relies on the verbal or non-verbal codes, used in transferring information.||Communication refers to the way of exchanging message or information between two or more people.|
|What is it?||Tool||Process|
|Stresses on||Signs, words and symbols||Message|
|Occurs in||Primarily, in auditory channels||All sensory channels|
Definition of Language
Language is described as a tool which helps in the transmission of feelings and thoughts, from one person to another. It is the means of expression of what a person feels or thinks, through arbitrarily produced symbols or sounds, such as words (spoken or written), signs, sounds, gesture, posture, etc., that convey a certain meaning.
Language is sole medium of communication between two persons, through which they can share their views, ideas, opinions and emotions with one another. It is aimed at making sense of complex and abstract thought and that also without any confusion. As a system of communication, different languages are used by people residing in different areas or belonging to a different community.
Definition of Communication
Communication is described as an act of interchanging ideas, information or message from one person or place to another, via words or signs which are understood to both the parties. Communication is vital for the organisation because it is a principle means by which organisational members work with each other. It flows in various directions, such as upward, downward, horizontal or diagonal.
Communication is a pervasive process, i.e. it is needed in all the levels and types of the organisation. It is a two way activity, which consists of seven major elements, i.e. sender, encoding, message, channel, receiver, decoding and feedback. Getting feedback, in the process of communication is as much important as sending the message, because only then the process will be completed. There are two channels of communication, which are:
- Formal Communication
- Informal Communication
Further, communication can be classified as:
- Verbal Communication
- Oral Communication
- Written Communication
- Non-verbal communication
Key Differences Between Language and Communication
The points given below presents the differences between language and communication in detail:
- The system of communication which relies on the verbal or non-verbal codes, used in transferring information, is called Language. The way of interchanging message or information between two or more people is called communication.
- A language is a tool of communication, while communication is the process of transferring message to one another.
- Language focuses on the signs, symbols and words. Communication lays emphasis on the message.
- Before the invention of written words, language was confined to the auditory channels. However, it can occur in visual, tactile and other sensory channels too. On the other hand, communication occurs in all the sensory channels.
- The basics of communication do not change at all. Conversely, daily new words are added to the dictionary of the language, so it changes every day.
So with the above explanation, it is quite clear that communication has a wider scope than language, as the former covers the latter. Language is the essence of communication, without which, it cannot exist.