We’ve all known someone who is a great communicator. This is the person who usually has an impressive vocabulary, an engaging speaking ability, and tons of charisma. They have a knack for noticing and interpreting body language, and it sometimes seems they know what someone is thinking simply by looking at them. These abilities are what give them a better-than-average grasp of language — the ability to ‘read a room,’ and to speak to the topics relevant to those listening. If you’ve ever sat through a riveting seminar or watched an engaging TED talk, you’ve encountered these adept communicators.
And then there are the writers — people who excel at putting words on paper. They have a good grasp of grammar and punctuation. They know which letters require capitalization, and they’re able to string different types of sentences together in a way that makes them sound engaging and that draws the reader in. They’re also able to impart ideas in a way that the reader easily understands. Think of your favorite author and all the ways they have drawn you into a story, and you’ll have a good example of someone who has a keen understanding of language.
In very young children, strong language skills are important because they make life and people easier to understand. Often, it’s the children who are the best communicators who grow up to become the corporate CEOs, the politicians, the speakers, and the writers. And it all begins with strong language skills.
What Is Language?
Language is the principal method of communication among humans. As such, its importance cannot be underrated. Children who have a keen grasp of age-appropriate language find it easier to communicate with peers, with teachers, and with other adults. They also usually find it easier to learn and to master unfamiliar topics, because they have the tools needed to ask questions, explore ideas, and draw reasonable conclusions.
Examples of Language
It’s important to note that there are many languages, and not all of them are spoken. For instance, Morse code is a type of language that uses long and short signals of either light or sound. Still, people who understand it are able to communicate complex ideas to one another. American Sign Language, or ASL, is a second type of nonverbal language that allows people who can’t hear to communicate effectively with others, both hearing and deaf. PECS, or the Picture Exchange Communication System, is an image-based form of language that’s often useful for children who have autism or other communication challenges. Writing is another form of language that does not require speech.
