Posted: August 14th, 2022

The Use of Language and Verbal Codes in Interpersonal Communication

The Use of Language and Verbal Codes in Interpersonal Communication

Language is a system of symbols that we use to communicate with others and ourselves. Language can be verbal or nonverbal, and it can serve various functions in interpersonal communication. In this paper, we will focus on the use of verbal codes, which are words and their meanings, in interpersonal communication. We will explore how verbal codes can express meaning and emotion, shape our worldview, impact our relationships, convey power, and evolve over time.

Expressing Meaning and Emotion

Verbal codes can help us express our observations, thoughts, feelings, and needs in interpersonal communication. Observations are reports of sensory information that we perceive through our senses. For example, we can say “I saw a red car” or “I heard a loud noise”. Thoughts are conclusions that we draw based on our observations, beliefs, attitudes, and values. For example, we can say “I think he is lying” or “I like this movie”. Feelings are emotions that we experience and communicate to others. For example, we can say “I feel happy” or “I am angry with you”. Needs are desires or requirements that we have for ourselves or others. For example, we can say “I need some water” or “I want you to listen to me”.

Verbal codes can also help us express different levels of intensity and specificity in our meaning and emotion. For example, we can use qualifiers to modify the degree of our statements, such as “very”, “somewhat”, or “slightly”. We can also use hedges to indicate uncertainty or politeness, such as “maybe”, “kind of”, or “I guess”. Furthermore, we can use euphemisms to replace harsh or unpleasant words with more polite or acceptable ones, such as “passed away” instead of “died”, or “let go” instead of “fired”.

Shaping Our Worldview

Verbal codes can also shape our worldview, which is the way we perceive and understand the world around us. Language influences how we categorize and label things, people, and ideas, and how we make sense of our experiences and reality. For example, different languages have different words for colors, numbers, time, space, and gender, which can affect how speakers of those languages perceive and process these concepts. Language also reflects our culture and identity, which can shape our values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors. For example, some languages have words for concepts that do not exist in other languages, such as “ubuntu” in Zulu, which means “humanity” or “a sense of community”. Language also creates and maintains social realities, such as power relations, roles, statuses, and expectations. For example, some languages have honorifics that indicate respect or deference to others based on their age, gender, rank, or relationship.

Impact Our Relationships

Verbal codes can also impact our relationships with others in interpersonal communication. Language can create and sustain intimacy, trust, rapport,
and connection with others. For example, we can use self-disclosure to share personal information with others, or use compliments to express appreciation or admiration. Language can also create and resolve conflicts,
misunderstandings,
and disagreements with others. For example,
we can use assertiveness to express our opinions or needs,
or use apologies to admit our mistakes or offer
remorse.
Language can also influence
our impression formation,
attribution,
and
stereotyping
of others.
For example,
we can use
positive
or negative
words
to describe
others,
or use
generalizations
or assumptions
to explain
their behavior
or characteristics.

Convey Power

Verbal codes can also convey power in interpersonal communication. Power is the ability to influence or control others or situations. Language can indicate power differences based on factors such as gender,
age,
race,
class,
education,
occupation,
or status.
For example,
some languages have different forms of address
or pronouns
for different levels of power
or respect.
Language can also demonstrate power through factors such as volume,
tone,
pace,
fluency,
vocabulary,
or grammar.
For example,
speakers who use louder,
faster,
more confident,
or more complex language may be perceived as more powerful than speakers who use quieter,
slower,
more hesitant,
or more simple language.

Evolve Over Time

Verbal codes can also evolve over time in interpersonal communication. Language is not static but dynamic,
meaning it changes constantly to adapt to new situations,
contexts,
and meanings.
Language evolves through factors such as innovation,
borrowing,
diffusion,
and standardization.
For example,
speakers may create new words
or meanings
to express new concepts
or experiences,
such as “selfie”,
“hashtag”,
or “ghosting”.
Speakers may also borrow words
or meanings
from other languages
or cultures,
such as “sushi”,
“yoga”,
or “schadenfreude”.
Speakers may also diffuse words
or meanings
through different channels
or media,
such as books,
movies,
music,
or the internet.
Speakers may also standardize words
or meanings
through formal
or informal rules
or norms,
such as dictionaries,
grammars,
or style guides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, verbal codes are an essential part of interpersonal communication. Verbal codes can help us express meaning and emotion, shape our worldview, impact our relationships, convey power, and evolve over time. By understanding and using verbal codes effectively, we can enhance our communication competence and achieve our communication goals.

References

Clancy, K., Ruggeri-Dilello, T., & Yee, K. (2022). The Nature of Language. In Interpersonal Communication: Context and Connection (ASCCC OERI). Social Sci LibreTexts. https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Interpersonal_Communication/Interpersonal_Communication%3A_Context_and_Connection_%28ASCCC_OERI%29/04%3A_Verbal_Elements_of_Communication/4.02%3A_The_Nature_of_Language

MasterClass. (2021). help write my thesis on Verbal vs. Nonverbal Communication Explained. MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/verbal-vs-nonverbal-communication

McCornack, S., & Ortiz, J. (2019). Functions of Language. In Choices & Connections: An Introduction to Communication (3rd ed.). Macmillan Learning. https://textbooks.whatcom.edu/cmst210/chapter/3-1/

Order | Check Discount

Tags: Undergraduate Dissertations Topics Examples Ideas, Thesis and Dissertation Ideas for Research Topics in UK, Thesis Topics for Your Masters Degree, Thesis Topics for Your Final Academic Project, Research Titles Examples