PURCOM

THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE

I. What is Language?

Language is a complex and dynamic system that we humans use to communicate our ideas, needs and emotions. Animals can communicate through sounds and gestures, but they can't be organized into an actual system. Therefore, it isn't considered a language in the strict sense.

A means of communication can only be called a language if it has these three (3) things:

● A system of rules (Grammar) - how sentences and words are structured and formed

● A sound system (Phonology) - how words are verbalized with tone and intent

● A vocabulary (Lexicon) - the collection of words a language uses

II. Speech Community

A speech community shares the same set of rules in their own language system. People understand each other when using a language because they belong to the same speech community.

Different speech communities don't always share the same set of rules even if they use the same language. For instance, Americans and the British both speak English but differ in pronunciation, spelling and expressions.

EXAMPLE:

Word American English British English

Vase ˈvās (rhymes with “face”) ˈväz (rhymes with “vast”)

Route ˈrau̇t (rhymes with “out”) ˈrüt (rhymes with “root”)

Privacy ˈpraī-və-sē (long “i”) ˈpri-və-sē (short “i”)

III. Language Acquisition & Learning

Language acquisition is the natural process of picking up and understanding language while growing up, usually in exposure to the surroundings and the community. This is also called your mother tongue or first language.

Language learning is the active process of studying and learning another language, whether formally in an education setting or informally by learning it yourself. Appropriately, this is also called your second language.

IV. Language Contact & Change

Language contact is when different speech communities interact with each other. Prolonged socializing may eventually lead to a new language understandable on both sides.

A person's own language may also evolve over time due to language contact, this is called language change. They may unconsciously include non-native language into their everyday speech pattern.

V. Conclusion

Language is a complex and dynamic system that we use to communicate, shaped by acquisition, learning and interacting with others. Understanding it deeply helps us better use language more effectively when communicating.

VI. Term Summary

● Language - complex and dynamic system that we use to communicate our ideas, needs and emotions

● Grammar - how sentences and words are structured and formed

● Phonology - how words are verbalized with tone and intent

● Lexicon - the collection of words a language uses

● Speech Community - group who shares the same set of rules in their own language system

● Language Acquisition - natural process of obtaining language, usually from the family/environment

● Language Learning - active process of obtaining language, whether formally (education) or informally (by self)

● Language Contact - when different speech communities interact with each other

● Language Change - effect of language contact, implementing non-native language to everyday speech patterns

TYPE OF COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATION - Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, or feelings between individuals or groups through various channels.

COMMUNICATION ACCORDING TO MODE

A. Verbal Communication

- Uses words to communicate.

- Examples:

- Speaking

- Writing

B. Non-verbal Communication

- Uses:

- Actions

- Gestures

- Facial expressions

- Body language

Important: Effective communication often uses both verbal and non-verbal communication

Visual Communication - Visual communication uses images and other visual elements to convey information.

COMMUNICATION ACCORDING TO CONTEXT

The presentation includes:

1. Intrapersonal

2. Interpersonal

3. Extended

4. Organizational

5. Intercultural

Intrapersonal Communication - Intrapersonal communication means communicating within yourself.

Interpersonal Communication - Interpersonal communication is communication between two or more people.

Extended Communication - Extended communication uses technology to reach people who are far away or a large audience.

Organizational Communication - Organizational communication is communication within an organization.

Intercultural Communication - Intercultural communication is communication between people from different cultures.

COMMUNICATION ACCORDING TO PURPOSE & STYLE

Formal Communication - Formal communication is used for professional or official purposes

Informal Communication - Informal communication is used in ordinary and personal situations.

COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES & ETHICS

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNICATION

Every communication encounter — regardless of channel or format — operates on three foundational pillars:

Know Your Purpose & Subject Matter

• Determine the explicit goal (to inform, persuade, inspire, or entertain).

• Ensure a thorough mastery of facts, context, and key concepts before transmitting the message.

1. Understand Your Audience & Context

• Tailor tone, vocabulary, and delivery style to demographics (age, education, cultural background).

• Account for external situational factors and the physical/digital environment.

2. Process Feedback Continuously

• Treat feedback (verbal and non-verbal) as essential input for real-time adjustment and message refinement.

• Accept constructive criticism to enhance personal delivery and message clarity over time.

I. PRINCIPLES OF ORAL COMMUNICATION

Spoken interaction requires dynamic alignment between verbal content and non-verbal execution.

• Clear Objective Alignment: Keep every spoken segment tied directly to the main purpose to prevent rambling.

• Content Completeness: Provide comprehensive explanations supported by accurate facts and logical evidence.

• Brevity & Conciseness: Eliminate unnecessary filler; concise speech captures and retains listener attention.

• Natural Delivery & Body Language: Complement spoken points with authentic gestures, steady eye contact, and confident posture.

• Timely Response: Offer prompt, contextually appropriate responses to audience queries to maintain engagement and trust.

II. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION & THE 7 CS FRAMEWORK

Written messages demand higher precision because non-verbal cues (tone, expression) are absent.

Principle Definition & Key Application

1. Clarity Definition

Express ideas in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Key Application

Avoid obscure jargon; use straightforward sentence structures.

2. Conciseness Definition

Deliver maximum meaning using the fewest words possible.

Key Application

Trim redundant adjectives, filler phrases, and repetitive points.

3. Concreteness Definition

Use specific, definite, and vivid facts/data.

Key Application

Replace vague generalizations with verified statistics and examples.

4. Correctness Definition

Ensure grammatical, structural, and factual accuracy.

Key Application

Proofread thoroughly to protect professional credibility.

III. ETHICS OF COMMUNICATION

Communication ethics deals with the moral principles that govern how information is created, shared, and interpreted.

Core Ethical Pillars

• 01 Truthfulness & Accuracy: Communicate facts truthfully without deliberate distortion, fabrication, or exaggeration.

• 02 Adequate Disclosure & Transparency: Never withhold vital facts or critical risks necessary for the audience to make informed decisions.

• 03 Respect & Human Dignity: Honor audience rights, privacy, and diverse cultural perspectives; avoid hate speech or discrimination.

• 04 Accountability: Accept responsibility for the short-and long-term consequences of transmitted messages.

IV. PRACTICAL COMPARISON: ETHICAL VS. UNETHICAL COMMUNICATION

Information Ethical Practice Unethical Risk

Information Integrityfact-checked, accurate, and properly contextualized. Misleading statistics, deceptive claims, or outright lying.

Transparency Discloses key risks, terms, and conditions up front. Concealing critical details (e.g., hidden fees or mandatory contributions).

Tone & Demeanor Courteous, constructive, and inclusive. Harassment, offensive slurs, or manipulative emotional framing.

Organizational Impact Builds long-term trust, strong credibility, and legal compliance. Leads to legal liabilities, public backlash, and institutional failure.

1. ORAL COMMUNICATION Definition

Oral communication is the process of sharing:

• Information

• Ideas

• Feelings

• Opinions

through spoken words.

It involves:

• A speaker delivering a message

• A listener receiving and interpreting it

• The listener giving feedback

Oral communication can happen:

• Between two people

• Among a group

It may be:

• Formal

• Informal

2. EXAMPLES OF ORAL COMMUNICATION

• Face-to-face conversations

• Classroom discussions

• Speeches and presentations

• Job interviews

• Phone calls

• Group discussions

Formal and Informal Examples

The presentation labels the examples as:

• Face-to-face conversations — Formal

• Classroom discussions — Formal

• Speeches and presentations — Formal

• Job interviews — Formal

• Phone calls — Informal

• Group discussions — Informal

3. ROLE IN EVERYDAY INTERACTIONS

Oral communication helps us:

1. Express ideas and feelings clearly

2. Share information quickly

3. Build and maintain relationships

4. Ask questions and clarify misunderstandings

5. Solve problems and make decisions

6. Work and cooperate with others

4. ELEMENTS OF ORAL COMMUNICATION 1. Speaker

Sends the message.

2. Message

The information being communicated.

3. Listener/Receiver

Receives and interprets the message.

4. Channel

The medium used to communicate.

5. Feedback

The response to the message.

6. Context

The situation where communication takes place.

Simple Flow:

Speaker → Message → Channel → Listener/Receiver → Feedback

The whole process happens within a particular context.

5. CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE ORAL COMMUNICATION

Effective oral communication should be:

• Clear

• Concise

• Appropriate

• Organized

• Respectful

• Engaging

• Supported by appropriate body language

6. IMPORTANCE OF ORAL COMMUNICATION

Oral communication helps us:

• Express ideas clearly

• Build relationships

• Solve problems

• Share information quickly

• Persuade or influence others

• Avoid misunderstandings through immediate feedback

7. MODES OF COMMUNICATION What is a Communication Mode?

A communication mode is the architectural framework of an interaction. It determines how a message is structured, delivered, and interpreted.

The presentation distinguishes mode from channel:

• Channel = the physical or digital route used to communicate, such as a copper wire, airwaves, or fiber-optic cable.

• Mode = the sensory and expressive format used to encode information.

8. CORE CATEGORIES OF COMMUNICATION MODES

There are four main categories:

1. Verbal Mode

2. Non-Verbal Mode

3. Visual Mode

4. Digital/Electronic Mode

Important Point

Communication rarely relies on only one mode.

Most interactions are multimodal, meaning they combine several formats at the same time to make communication clearer.

9. VERBAL MODE

Verbal mode is the use of spoken or written words.

It relies on:

• Language syntax

• Vocabulary

• Structural rules

It is used to communicate:

• Precise information

• Abstract data

• Logical arguments

Examples:

• Conversations

• Speeches

• Text messages

• Written reports

Simple idea:

Communication through words.

10. NON-VERBAL MODE

Non-verbal mode is the transmission of information without words.

It includes:

• Body language

• Touch

• Vocal tone

• Physical distance

• Eye contact

It primarily communicates:

• Emotions

• Attitudes

• Relational status

Examples:

• Smiling

• Nodding

• Eye contact

• Hand gestures

• Tone of voice

Simple idea:

Communication through actions and behavior.

11. VISUAL MODE

Visual mode uses:

• Signs

• Typography

• Drawing

• Graphic design

• Colors

• Illustrations

This mode processes information spatially and is highly effective for immediate cognitive recognition.

Example:

A red octagonal stop sign.

Other examples:

• Stop signs

• Infographics

• Charts and graphs

• Posters

• Illustrations

Simple idea:

Communication through things we see.

12. DIGITAL/ELECTRONIC MODE

Digital/Electronic mode refers to modern mediated communication that changes the boundaries of time and space.

It includes:

• Text messages

• Video calls

• Emails

• Social media posts

It often combines:

• Text

• Video

• Audio

This makes it a hybrid mode.

Examples:

• Text messages

• Emails

• Video calls

• Social media posts

• Online meetings

Simple idea:

Communication through digital technology.

13. DEFINITIONS OF COMMUNICATION BY DIFFERENT SCHOLARS Aristotle

Communication involves a:

• Speaker

• Message

• Audience

The speaker seeks to influence the audience.

Claude Shannon & Warren Weaver

Communication is the transmission of information from a sender to a receiver through a channel.

David Berlo

Communication involves:

• Source

• Message

• Channel

• Receiver

This is known as the SMCR model.

S — Source
M — Message
C — Channel
R — Receiver

Wilbur Schramm

Communication is a process of sharing meaning and understanding between people.

14. TYPES OF COMMUNICATION BASED ON THE FLOW

The presentation discusses two types:

1. One-Way Communication

2. Two-Way Communication

1. ONE-WAY COMMUNICATION

One-way communication is communication where the message goes from the sender to the receiver, but there is no immediate response or feedback.

Examples:

• Newspaper

• Television announcement

• Radio broadcast

• Public announcement

• Posters

Simple flow:

Sender → Receiver

There is no immediate feedback.

2. TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION

Two-way communication is communication where both the sender and receiver can exchange messages and provide feedback.

Examples:

• Conversation

• Phone call

• Face-to-face discussion

• Video call

• Group discussion

Simple flow:

Sender ↔ Receiver

Both sides can respond and give feedback.

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