Communication

=== Verbal ===
{{Main|Linguistics}}
Verbal communication is the exchange of messages in [[Linguistics|linguistic]] form, i.e., by means of [[language]].<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Chandler|Munday|2011|p=448}} | {{harvnb|Danesi|2000|pp=58–59}} }}</ref> In colloquial usage, verbal communication is sometimes restricted to [[oral communication]] and may exclude writing and sign language. However, in academic discourse, the term is usually used in a wider sense, encompassing any form of linguistic communication, whether through speech, writing, or gestures.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Chandler|Munday|2011|p=448}} | {{harvnb|Kyle|Kyle|Woll|Pullen|1988|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Gcy4MhmLhdkC&pg=PA59 59]}} | {{harvnb|Butterfield|2016|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VAJVDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA2 2–3]}} }}</ref> Some of the challenges in distinguishing verbal from non-verbal communication come from the difficulties in defining what exactly ''language'' means. Language is usually understood as a conventional system of [[symbol]]s and rules used for communication. Such systems are based on a set of simple units of meaning that can be combined to express more complex ideas. The rules for combining the units into compound expressions are called [[grammar]]. [[Word]]s are combined to form [[Sentence (linguistics)|sentences]].<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Lyons|1981|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=8Wg57a3DdYYC 3, 6]}} | {{harvnb|Harley|2014|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=bIsMKQEACAAJ 5–6]}} }}</ref>

One hallmark of human language, in contrast to animal communication, lies in its complexity and expressive power. Human language can be used to refer not just to [[concrete object]]s in the here-and-now but also to spatially and temporally distant objects and to [[Abstract object|abstract ideas]].<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Håkansson|Westander|2013|pp=11, 13–14}} | {{harvnb|Kiggins|Comins|Gentner|2013}} }}</ref> Humans have a natural tendency to [[Critical period hypothesis|acquire their native language in childhood]]. They are also able to learn other languages later in life as [[second language]]s. However, this process is less intuitive and often does not result in the same level of [[linguistic competence]].<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Meisel|2011|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=3ryG0_W4qxcC 1]}} | {{harvnb|Montrul|2004|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nIRgMn83Rr8C&pg=PA20 20]}} }}</ref> The academic discipline studying language is called ''linguistics''. Its subfields include [[semantics]] (the study of meaning), [[Morphology (linguistics)|morphology]] (the study of word formation), [[syntax]] (the study of sentence structure), [[pragmatics]] (the study of language use), and [[phonetics]] (the study of basic sounds).<ref>{{harvnb|Harley|2014|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=bIsMKQEACAAJ 5–6]}}</ref>

A central contrast among languages is between [[Natural language|natural]] and artificial or [[constructed language]]s. Natural languages, like [[English language|English]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]], and [[Japanese language|Japanese]], developed naturally and for the most part unplanned in the course of history. Artificial languages, like [[Esperanto]], [[Quenya]], [[C++]], and the language of [[first-order logic]], are purposefully designed from the ground up.<ref>{{harvnb|Thomason|2006|pp=[https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/artificial-and-natural-languages 342–345]|loc=Artificial And Natural Languages}}</ref> Most everyday verbal communication happens using natural languages. Central forms of verbal communication are speech and writing together with their counterparts of listening and reading.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Champoux|2016|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=5Hq3DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA327 327–328]}} | {{harvnb|Berlo|1960|pp=41–42}} }}</ref> Spoken languages use sounds to produce [[sign]]s and transmit meaning while for writing, the signs are physically inscribed on a surface.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Champoux|2016|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=5Hq3DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA327 327–328]}} | {{harvnb|Danesi|2009|p=306}} | {{harvnb|Kyle|Kyle|Woll|Pullen|1988|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Gcy4MhmLhdkC&pg=PA59 59]}} }}</ref> [[Sign languages]], like [[American Sign Language]] and [[Nicaraguan Sign Language]], are another form of verbal communication. They rely on visual means, mostly by using gestures with hands and arms, to form sentences and convey meaning.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Champoux|2016|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=5Hq3DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA327 327–328]}} | {{harvnb|Kyle|Kyle|Woll|Pullen|1988|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Gcy4MhmLhdkC&pg=PA59 59]}} }}</ref>

Verbal communication serves various functions. One key function is to exchange information, i.e. an attempt by the speaker to make the audience aware of something, usually of an external event. But language can also be used to express the speaker's feelings and attitudes. A closely related role is to establish and maintain social relations with other people. Verbal communication is also utilized to coordinate one's behavior with others and influence them. In some cases, language is not employed for an external purpose but only for [[entertainment]] or personal enjoyment.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Danesi|2000|pp=58–59}} | {{harvnb|Håkansson|Westander|2013|p=6}} | {{harvnb|Berlo|1960|pp=7–8}} }}</ref> Verbal communication further helps individuals [[conceptualize]] the world around them and themselves. This affects how perceptions of external events are interpreted, how things are categorized, and how ideas are organized and related to each other.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|ISU staff|2016|loc=[http://kell.indstate.edu/public-comm-intro/chapter/3-4-functions-of-verbal-communication/ 3.4: Functions of Verbal Communication]}} | {{harvnb|Nuyts|Pederson|1999|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=k_ZqqaYrftAC&pg=PA1 1]}} }}</ref>