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| It is important to differentiate between language and communication. Communication is a process whereby there is exchange of information between the sender and the receiver. This information can be transmitted via any of the methods such as a scent, song, gestures, tone, writing, painting, or language. Language is a symbolic form of communication. Although there are other communication systems, but these do not form the true languages. For example, many bees can use elaborate dances to tell other bees where the food is, or birds have different songs or calls to attract mates or broadcast territorial boundaries. But these communication systems can send only such very particular messages, and cannot be considered as a language system. To be considered language, a number of different characteristics should be met. |
| Characteristics of Language |
- Discrete and Re-combinable elements – Language is made up of discrete sounds. The number of sounds in a language varies. How these sounds are produced and represented is also an important characteristic of language. For example, English language is an inconsistent language; /s/ and /z/ represented by s as in dogs and cats, /k/ sound represented by k and ck, /j/ sound represented by j (jug), dge(edge, judge), and the like.
- Arbitrariness – Language is based on arbitrary symbols. Words have no inherent relation to the objects, people, commands they stand for. Different sounds may convey the same meaning. For example, Water (English), Eau (French), Agua (Spanish). Also, same sounds may convey different meanings; for example, Knee (English), Nie (never in German).
- Displacement – This characteristic of language includes being able to talk about time and place other than here and now. It is the ability to talk about objects, people, things and events that are remote in time and space.
- Productivity and Creativity – This characteristic of language includes the ability to create sentences never heard or uttered before. Human languages are an open system of communication, whereas the system of communication in animals is closed.
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