Further Discussion

One concept from this course that I feel could use further discussion would be the section on the symbolic nature of language. The basis of our communication is based heavily on words, although nonverbal communication also speaks volume. Because the nature of language can mean a variety of things to people, it is abstract, ambiguous, and arbitrary.  It is constantly changing with the times and can take on new meanings. The choice and pattern of wording can affect conversations. Communicators come from all different backgrounds and cultures, so it adds to the ever-changing landscape. I think an incorporated discussion on the symbolic nature of language and cultures would be useful. In an increasingly global economy, our communication has become vastly diverse. It would be both useful and respectful to learn how language is different in every culture. Some words may be offensive in other languages that we would not even know about, so it is important to learn about them.