Have you ever wondered about the importance of a language in society? If you have, then this article is about to provide some answers to you. Ever since we were children, we learned to speak our heart language or our mother tongue, but of what importance is learning this language. In this article, we shall go through the importance of language in society. We shall look at when it all begun and why languages were even invented. Hence if you wish to learn more about this topic, follow along as we unravel this great mystery.
Ever since the stone-age, people were communicating. They were sharing ideas, relaying their feelings, and so much more via their common language. Hence they built a language out of the need to communicate. Without this common language, the people then and now would be uncivilized and living in an uncoordinated manner. Hence language brings people together. To understand it better, let us take you back a little.
Language origin
Language was not just invented at once; it is formed each day. New words are developed, and new vocabulary keeps on flowing into the system. It can hence be described as an invention by the community in an unconscious manner. There are no laws set to speak a particular language, but we still master the tone and vocabulary with ease; it is fascinating.
From one generation to the next, each comes up with a vocabulary to suit their needs. I mean, people in the stone-age did not have computers; hence they only made vocabulary to suit their current needs. But as the world evolved, discoveries were made, and with them came new words. Thus we can say that a language is made in a continuous manner. What we use today satisfies our needs, but as years go on, new discoveries are made.
We all work on making a language. I mean, no language can catch on without people using it. If such a thing occurred, the language would most certainly fade away.
Language as the cultural verbal expression
Language is the verbal expression of culture. We can visually experience culture, but language helps us experience the culture in depth. It is no wonder using your mother tongue makes you feel at home. We live in a world of globalization, urbanization, and migration. Multilingual communities have flooded the world. But each community still holds on to their heart language. One reason is that it helps them express their culture better.
How does language shape identity?
When we are born into a particular community, we learn their language. Knowing that language helps us identify ourselves with that specific community. However, due to this reason, language barriers of social contact have arisen.
Expression instrumentalities
Traditional instrumentalities used for expression include:
- Gesture
- Grimace
- Tone
Gestures represent how our body parts change position, especially on the movable or mobile parts, that is:
- The arms
- Hands
Grimace stands for the changing of expressions of features as per the countenance.
Tone stands for the variation of sound.
Every language makes use of this expression to make communication easier. Even now, in the 21st century, the three still go hand in hand to ensure good communication.
Why is language crucial?
As per civilization, language has been a significant aspect and still is. With the power to communicate efficiently, man has been able to accomplish a lot. Plus, language and personality go hand in hand. The way a person communicates dictates their personality in a huge way.
Conclusion
Language is pretty crucial in the world. Without languages, we would not be as civilized as we are today.
