Some types of language are typical of the natural world and others exclusively of the human being.
The different types of language play a fundamental role in this regard. In this article it will be possible to confirm that there are many possible ways in which two organisms can communicate, some being exclusive to the human being.
- Related article: ” The 12 types of texts (and their characteristics)
The physical types of language that exist in nature
In nature there are many possible types of language , all based on certain forms of communication that are physically and biologically possible. This communication can occur both at the cellular level and between animals.
The different physical substrates are what allow said communication, being therefore interpreted through the senses. The different possibilities depending on the physical substrate are shown below.
1. Sound language
The sound language allows transmitting a lot of information . It is used by many animals to communicate, from dolphins to primates. Also insects such as cicadas emit acoustic messages.
The emission and reception of sound could not occur without transmission through air or water. In this way, so-called sound waves are generated, which propagate through these media.
- It might interest you: ” The 12 benefits of reading (proven by science) “
2. Visual language
Visual language can take many forms in the animal world . Despite the fact that there are animals with a much more developed visual sense than others, the truth is that this type of communication has many possibilities.
Visual language is useful for interpreting different types of signs. Communication through this language is very important when it comes to interpreting dangers, looking for a partner or showing aggressiveness.
3. Tactile language
Tactile language does not offer as many possibilities as the previous types of language . These are vibrations that can be transmitted for different purposes, such as attracting females or socializing.
Through tactile language it is as possible to show affection as rejection. In addition, there are electrically transmitted vibrations, which can be deadly. Eels use these vibrations to hunt or defend themselves.
4. Chemical language
The senses of taste and smell intervene in the chemical language . Some of the molecules that most represent this type of communication are pheromones, which give signals about the sexual availability of a potential partner.
On the other hand, there are many animals that resort to chemical communication for other purposes. For example, bees base part of their complex communication on the chemical signals that they emit between themselves.
- We recommend: ” 50 wise phrases of great historical figures (great selection) “
types of human language
The language of the human being has a lot to do with the previous types of language . In a certain way they are expressions of these, although new communicative forms can be categorized that the rest of the animals are not capable of practicing.
We are talking about types of language such as written or formal. It is based on a language codification that only the human being is capable of producing and interpreting, for which they deserve a separate section.
5. Verbal
Man’s ability to speak is truly amazing . No other animal on the planet is capable of producing such complex language, and it is believed that humans began using it around 70,000 years ago, in a period known as the cognitive revolution.
The verbal capacity of man has given rise to a multitude of languages around the world. All of them have in common that they are a combination of sounds that are produced thanks to the sounds of our vocal cords.
6. Written
It is estimated that the first written proof of the human being dates from XVIII-XVI BC . It can be affirmed that written language starts from verbal language, and that is that its main purpose is to represent it.
It is a way of codifying the language, which has also served to help standardize it. But what it has served the most is to spread a large number of ideas through texts around the world and in a timeless way.
7. Iconic
Iconic language is based on the use of images . It is a type of language that needs a physical support to capture a visual message. Examples of them would be advertisements, but also pictorial art.
It is very important today due to its presence in the world of marketing. There are many companies that use this type of message to get us to perceive their appetizing products.
- Other users have read: ” 60 Trivial questions and their answers to play with family or friends “
8. Formal
Formal language is related to science and technology . It is a type of artificial language, typical of disciplines such as mathematics, chemistry, programming, etc.
It only makes sense to the human being, and represents a means to understand different concepts. These cannot follow a different logic than the one that the senses have allowed the human being to evolve.
9. Acoustic language
Acoustic language refers to the possibility of communicating through sound . Verbal language would fall strictly within this category, but acoustic language is intended to represent the rest of non-verbal communication that uses sound.
In this way it is possible to communicate in many ways. Whistling at someone to give them a warning can be an example, as can listening to a message via Morse code.
10. Gesture
Sign language is a very old type of language . Human beings today can accompany their verbal language with gestures that enrich the message they want to convey.
It has been observed that gesticulation has a lot to do with the language that is spoken. There are languages with structures that give more explicit information regarding some aspect of what is to be conveyed, so that gestures are adapted to enrich speech.
- We recommend: ” The 12 surprising benefits of being bilingual “
Bibliographic references
- Benveniste, E. (1982). Animal communication and human language. In: Problems of general linguistics. Mexico: 21st Century.
- Harari, Y.N. (2014). Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. London: Harvill Secker
- Lyons , John ( 1984 ). Language and linguistics, Madrid: Teide.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.