The Role of Language in Communication

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The Role of Language in Communication The role of language is crucial in this process of relationships.

Language shapes reality, and it limits what ideas and concepts are

available in a particular situation. In all aspects of our lives we

engage with, resist, reframe with, the meanings available through

language, to give meaning to every aspect of our lives. Ideas and

understandings available through language shape our practice in a

variety of ways in everyday interactions.

It has been well known since the beginning of time that men and women

are on different wavelengths when it comes to communicating. The

differences between the communication styles of men and women go far

beyond mere socialization, and appear to be inherent in the basic make

up of each sex (Lee, Shaw). For males, conversation is the way you

negotiate your status in the group and keep people from pushing you

around; you use talk to preserve your independence. Females, on the

other hand, use conversation to negotiate closeness and intimacy; talk

is the essence of intimacy, so being best friends means sitting and

talking (Lee, Shaw). For boys, activities, doing things together, are

central. Just sitting and talking is not an essential part of

friendship. They're friends with the boys they do things with.

In respect to the language used by male and females, they differ,

sometimes unnoticeably. Women use more polite speech and fewer

profanities. They use intensifiers and are likely to turn statements

into questions (Lee, Shaw). Women have a higher pitched voice, which

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know how to communicate because they don't communicate like women

(Lee, Shaw).

Communication, whether verbal or sexual, is a vital aspect in a

healthy relationship. The lines of communication must always be open

and ever flowing. We must accept the fact that women and men do

communicate in a variety of different ways, and learn to adjust to

find peace in our relationships. The issue of communication and power

is something that can cause many arguments between couples. If the

reason behind communication isn't for the sole purpose of wanting to

share, learn and listen to each other, misunderstanding and resentment

will be the outcome. Communication in any relationship; male-female,

male-male or female-female, will vary and accepting and recognizing

our differences is an essential part of understanding our partner.

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