Language vs. Communication: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 12, 2024
Language is a system of symbols and rules for constructing and conveying content. Communication is the act or process of using language and other means to convey information.
Key Differences
Language is a structured system of communication, often unique to a particular community or culture, consisting of written, spoken, or gestural symbols that follow specific grammatical rules. Communication, in contrast, encompasses the broader spectrum of sharing information, emotions, or ideas, which can be achieved through language, but also through non-linguistic means like facial expressions, body language, or even art.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
While language is a tool for communication, consisting of words and grammar unique to a culture or group, communication itself is the objective or act of sharing thoughts and information. Language serves as a medium in communication, but communication can occur without the formal structure of language, such as in non-verbal cues or technological mediums.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Language is inherently tied to cultural and societal constructs, evolving over time, and reflecting the history and identity of its speakers. Communication, on the other hand, is a fundamental human process that can transcend cultural and language barriers, adapting to various modes and mediums to convey a message or emotion effectively.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
In the context of cognitive development, language acquisition is a critical part of a child's growth, enabling them to understand and construct complex ideas. Communication, however, begins even before language development, as babies communicate through cries, facial expressions, and gestures, demonstrating the broader nature of communication beyond just language.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Language, with its rules and structure, provides a framework for clear and efficient communication, facilitating understanding and exchange of ideas. However, effective communication is not solely reliant on language proficiency; it also involves listening, interpretation, and non-verbal cues, highlighting the complexity and multi-faceted nature of communication.
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Jan 12, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A structured system of symbols and grammar.
The act of conveying information and understanding.
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Medium
Words, signs, written symbols.
Language, gestures, facial expressions, media.
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Jan 12, 2024
Dependency
Relies on cultural and grammatical rules.
Can occur with or without language.
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Jan 12, 2024
Role in Expression
Facilitates precise expression of ideas.
Broader, includes emotional and non-verbal cues.
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Adaptability
Less adaptable, bound by rules.
Highly adaptable to context and medium.
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Cultural Significance
Reflects and shapes cultural identity.
Transcends cultural boundaries.
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Jan 12, 2024
Language and Communication Definitions
Language
A system of spoken or written symbols used by people to communicate.
The English language is widely spoken around the world.
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Dec 17, 2023
Communication
The act of sharing or exchanging information, ideas, or feelings.
Good communication is key to successful teamwork.
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Dec 17, 2023
Language
Language refers to the words and grammar used by a particular group.
The French language is known for its romantic tone and rhythm.
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Dec 17, 2023
Communication
A process by which information is exchanged between individuals.
Non-verbal communication can be as powerful as words.
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Dec 17, 2023
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Language
A tool for expressing thoughts, emotions, and ideas.
Poetry uses the beauty of language to evoke emotions.
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Dec 17, 2023
Communication
The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.
Modern communication is heavily reliant on digital technology.
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Dec 17, 2023
Language
The vocabulary and syntax specific to a group or profession.
Legal language is often complex and filled with jargon.
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Dec 17, 2023
Communication
The transmission of signals or messages as a way of sharing information.
Animals have their own forms of communication for survival.
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Dec 17, 2023
Language
Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community; often contrasted with dialect.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating
The language of algebra.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
(Computers) A system of symbols and rules used for communication with or between computers.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
The field of study concerned with the transmission of information by various means, such as print or broadcasting.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
Any of various professions involved with the transmission of information, such as advertising, broadcasting, or journalism.
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Language
The special vocabulary and usages of a scientific, professional, or other group
"his total mastery of screen language—camera placement, editing—and his handling of actors" (Jack Kroll).
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Language
A characteristic style of speech or writing
Shakespearean language.
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Communication
A system, such as mail, telephone, or television, for sending and receiving messages.
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Language
A particular manner of expression
Profane language.
Persuasive language.
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Communication
A network of routes for sending messages and transporting troops and supplies.
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Language
The manner or means of communication between living creatures other than humans
The language of dolphins.
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Communication
Communications The technology employed in transmitting messages.
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Communication
(Biology) The transfer of information from one molecule, cell, or organism to another, as by chemical or electrical signals or by behaviors.
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Language
The wording of a legal document or statute as distinct from the spirit.
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Language
(countable) A body of words, and set of methods of combining them (called a grammar), understood by a community and used as a form of communication.
The English language and the German language are related.
Deaf and mute people communicate using languages like ASL.
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Communication
A joining or connecting of solid fibrous structures, such as tendons and nerves.
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Language
(uncountable) The ability to communicate using words.
The gift of language
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Communication
The act or fact of communicating anything; transmission.
Communication of smallpox
Communication of a secret
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Language
(uncountable) A sublanguage: the slang of a particular community or jargon of a particular specialist field.
Legal language;
The language of chemistry
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
(uncountable) The concept or state of exchanging data or information between entities.
Some say that communication is a necessary prerequisite for sentience; others say that it is a result thereof.
The node had established communication with the network, but had as yet sent no data.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
The expression of thought (the communication of meaning) in a specified way; that which communicates something, as language does.
Body language;
The language of the eyes
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Communication
A message; the essential data transferred in an act of communication.
Surveillance was accomplished by means of intercepting the spies' communications.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
A body of sounds, signs and/or signals by which animals communicate, and by which plants are sometimes also thought to communicate.
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Communication
The body of all data transferred to one or both parties during an act of communication.
The subpoena required that the company document their communication with the plaintiff.
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Communication
An instance of information transfer; a conversation or discourse.
The professors' communications consisted of lively discussions via email.
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Communication
A passageway or opening between two locations; connection.
A round archway at the far end of the hallway provided communication to the main chamber.
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Language
(uncountable) The particular words used in a speech or a passage of text.
The language used in the law does not permit any other interpretation.
The language he used to talk to me was obscene.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
(anatomy) A connection between two tissues, organs, or cavities.
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Communication
(rhetoric) A trope by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says "we" instead of "I" or "you".
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
The act or fact of communicating; as, communication of smallpox; communication of a secret.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
Intercourse by words, letters, or messages; interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means; conference; correspondence.
Argument . . . and friendly communication.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
Association; company.
Evil communications corrupt good manners.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
The forms of speech, or the methods of expressing ideas, peculiar to a particular nation.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
Means of communicating; means of passing from place to place; a connecting passage; connection.
The Euxine Sea is conveniently situated for trade, by the communication it has both with Asia and Europe.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
The characteristic mode of arranging words, peculiar to an individual speaker or writer; manner of expression; style.
Others for language all their care express.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
That which is communicated or imparted; intelligence; news; a verbal or written message.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
The inarticulate sounds by which animals inferior to man express their feelings or their wants.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
The suggestion, by objects, actions, or conditions, of ideas associated therewith; as, the language of flowers.
There was . . . language in their very gesture.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
A trope, by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says we, instead of I or you.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
The vocabulary and phraseology belonging to an art or department of knowledge; as, medical language; the language of chemistry or theology.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
The activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information;
They could not act without official communication from Moscow
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Language
A race, as distinguished by its speech.
All the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image.
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Dec 13, 2023
Communication
Something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
Any system of symbols created for the purpose of communicating ideas, emotions, commands, etc., between sentient agents.
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Communication
A connection allowing access between persons or places;
How many lines of communication can there be among four people?
A secret passageway provided communication between the two rooms
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Language
Any set of symbols and the rules for combining them which are used to specify to a computer the actions that it is to take; also referred to as a computer lanugage or programming language; as, JAVA is a new and flexible high-level language which has achieved popularity very rapidly.
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Communication
The means of connection between people.
Effective communication requires active listening.
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Dec 17, 2023
Language
To communicate by language; to express in language.
Others were languaged in such doubtful expressions that they have a double sense.
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
A systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols;
He taught foreign languages
The language introduced is standard throughout the text
The speed with which a program can be executed depends on the language in which it is written
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
(language) communication by word of mouth;
His speech was garbled
He uttered harsh language
He recorded the spoken language of the streets
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
A system of words used in a particular discipline;
Legal terminology
The language of sociology
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
The cognitive processes involved in producing and understanding linguistic communication;
He didn't have the language to express his feelings
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
The mental faculty or power of vocal communication;
Language sets homo sapiens apart from all other animals
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
The text of a popular song or musical-comedy number;
His compositions always started with the lyrics
He wrote both words and music
The song uses colloquial language
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Dec 13, 2023
Language
A method of human communication using structured sequences of sounds or written symbols.
Sign language is a visual way of communicating using hand gestures.
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Dec 17, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is language?
A set of symbols and rules used for communication within a community.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Can communication occur without language?
Yes, through non-verbal means like gestures or facial expressions.
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Jan 12, 2024
Why is listening important in communication?
It ensures understanding and effective exchange of information.
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Jan 12, 2024
How does language affect communication?
It provides a structured medium for conveying ideas clearly and efficiently.
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Jan 12, 2024
What role does tone play in communication?
It conveys the speaker's attitude and can alter the message's meaning.
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Jan 12, 2024
What is communication?
The process of transmitting information, ideas, or emotions.
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Jan 12, 2024
Is body language a form of communication?
Yes, it conveys emotions and intentions without words.
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Jan 12, 2024
What is a dead language?
A language no longer spoken in daily life, like Latin.
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Jan 12, 2024
What is non-verbal communication?
Communication without words, using gestures, facial expressions, etc.
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Jan 12, 2024
How does culture influence language?
It shapes vocabulary, expressions, and the use of language.
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Jan 12, 2024
What is digital communication?
Sharing information using digital platforms like email or social media.
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How many languages exist globally?
Approximately 7,000, reflecting diverse cultures and histories.
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Jan 12, 2024
Can animals communicate?
Yes, through various sounds and behaviors specific to species.
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Jan 12, 2024
What is sign language?
A visual language using hand gestures, primarily for the deaf community.
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Jan 12, 2024
How do children learn language?
Through interaction, imitation, and exposure to language in their environment.
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Jan 12, 2024
Why is context important in communication?
It influences how the message is perceived and understood.
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Jan 12, 2024
How does language evolve?
Through changes in usage, influence from other languages, and societal changes.
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Jan 12, 2024
What is the difference between verbal and written communication?
Verbal is spoken, while written involves text.
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Jan 12, 2024
Can language barriers affect communication?
Yes, they can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
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Jan 12, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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