COMMUNICATION
AN INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION ?
Communication is the act of giving, receiving,
and sharing information -- in other words, talking
or writing, and listening or reading. Good
communicators listen carefully, speak or write
clearly, and respect different opinions.
USE OF LANGUAGE IN COMMUNICATION
Inbrief definition, Language is a medium that helps in the sending of
thoughts and feelings of two individuals. Similarly, Language allows us to
express our feelings and thoughts via sounds, symbols, written or spoken
words, posture, gestures or signs, etc. Thus, we can continue communication
through language.
What is Language-you should know it
What is Language?
Moreover, Language is the prime medium of communication. Above all, the
primary purpose of a language is, making our challenging and complex
thoughts easier. Without Language, it is impossible to create an effective
conversation or communication. We know different countries have different
languages to communicate. More than 4000 languages are available
throughout the world.
Language represents a country’s culture. Certainly, Language is unique to
our species because it is the only way to express our unparalleled ideas and
customs within different cultures and societies. Generally, Language is
primarily affected by personal, cultural, institutional, and organizational
aims.
SHORT HISTORY OF LANGUAGE
Before the invention of written words, firstly, Language was
using the auditory means of transmission, through grunts,
whistles, or drumbeats. In some cases, tactile or visual, like
drawings, hand signals, fire, or smoke signals, were used as
the medium of communication. Subsequently, over the
years, we have seen language changes that ultimately
change the communication process.
How Cellphones Affect Communication Skills
“Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you.” Those were the first
words ever spoken via telephone. Alexander Graham Bell, the
inventor of the then-newfangled contraption, uttered those words
to his assistant, Thomas Watson, in 1876.1
Today, Alexander Graham Bell would have been able to simply
send a text to Mr. Watson. He may even have shortened the
message to something like, “U busy come over,” without adding
punctuation. Now that cellphones are ubiquitous and are a primary
method of communication, some researchers have become
interested in how cellphones affect communication skills.
There is no question that cellphones, particularly smartphones,
have drastically changed society as a whole. They affect the way
we do business, nurture relationships, check in with children and
socialize with friends. But are these effects negative or positive—or
both?
Gaining Some Historical Perspective
For those who were born during the late 1990s and early 2000s,
the ubiquitous nature of smartphones is easy to take for granted.
This generation grew up with them. In fact, many people can recall
receiving their first cellphone when they were still rather young.
Yet, earlier generations can readily remember how different life
was before this technology was widely available and affordable,
and can keenly understand the complex nature of the question,
“How have cellphones changed us socially?”
Before it became commonplace for everyone to possess a
cellphone, conversations took place in person or via landline
phones. To use a landline phone, one had to stay in roughly the
same place for the duration of the conversation. This limited the
possibilities for multitasking during calls and required the
individuals to more closely focus on the topic of conversation.
CONTINUATION
The increasing reliance on texting as a form of communication both
makes communication easier and more convenient and encourages
the senders of texts to keep their messages as abbreviated as
possible.
The use of emojis and GIFs further serves to limit written
communication, allowing a standardized picture to complement a
text by replacing certain words, or to serve as the sum of the text.
Emojis and GIFs allow for greater convenience in communication,
and they also strive to mimic some of the visual cues that are
otherwise lacking in cellphone communication.
How Cellphones Affect Communication Skills
If you’re curious about how cellphones affect communication skills, it’s
important to consider both positive and negative effects. Overall, cellphones
have made communication more readily available; you can pick up your
phone and instantly text or call someone almost anywhere in the world,
provided they have cell reception available. Never before in history have
humans been so connected to each other on a global scale.
Yet, it’s ironic that while cellphones have made communication more
convenient and accessible, they may have also damaged our communication
skills. Many people text more often than they call — again, for the sake of
convenience. Since text messages are typically short and rely on
abbreviations and emojis, many people no longer benefit from the exercise
of writing out long-form communications.
One study published in 2017 evaluated the effects of cellphone usage on
students’ writing skills. The study participants were collegiate students at
the University of Peshawar. The scientists found that because the students
didn’t use standard language while texting, their writing skills suffered as a
result.2
CONTINUATION
It’s possible that cellphones have negatively affected speaking and listening
communication skills as well. This is because in-person conversations benefit
from visual cues, such as body language, facial expressions and
gesticulations. All of these visual cues can allow individuals to add a deeper
layer of meaning to their spoken words.
It’s not possible to fully replicate these important visual cues during spoken
conversations on mobile phones. People can use video conferencing apps on
their phones. However, because of the small screens, it’s not possible to
experience all of the body language, gesticulations and other cues. As such,
the listener may miss out on valuable, unspoken information.
How Have Cellphones Changed Us Socially?
There are many ways in which cellphones have changed us socially—both
positive and negative. On the positive side, greater connectivity can be a
lifesaver. For instance, if you get into a car accident in a remote area and
you need urgent medical attention, you can immediately call for help instead
of trying to hike to the nearest gas station or waiting for a passerby.
Smartphones can also enrich our lives and enhance our quality of life in
certain ways. Imagine, for example, a person who desperately needs mental
healthcare, yet is too introverted to walk into a therapist’s office. A
smartphone app can connect this person to a qualified therapist—all from
within the comfort of the patient’s home.
But even as cellphones have improved life in certain ways, they can also be
detrimental. Since countless people carry out their daily routines with their
cellphones close at hand, it’s often assumed that if you send a text to a
friend or coworker, you’ll get an answer right away. The expectation of near-
instant results can fuel a lack of patience in other areas of life.
CONTINUATION
Text-based communication can also lead to misunderstandings. Because
auditory and visual conversational cues are lacking in text messages, it can
be easier to mistake gentle sarcasm for a rude remark. This may lead to a
rise in misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Along similar lines, for many people, cellphones are a gateway to social
media. As long as you have access to a signal, you can check your Facebook,
Instagram or other apps within a matter of seconds.
Some people lead active social lives in the real world and only use social
media to enhance their real-world connections. Others place a high priority
on the number of “Likes” they get on a picture and may become anxious or
depressed if they think their online friends are ignoring them. Because
cellphones make social media more readily available, some people may fall
victim to social media-related depression and anxiety.
How To Improve Your Communication Skills in the Digital Age
If you’re concerned about how your cellphone is affecting your
communication skills or social life, you can actively work on reclaiming your
in-person communication abilities. Take baby steps. Start by calling people
more often, rather than just texting them. Then, try to have more in-person
conversations, such as by visiting a professor during office hours instead of
sending an email.
Make plans to see your friends—in the real world, not on social media—on a
regular basis. Invite a friend out to lunch. Make a point of turning your
cellphone off when you sit at the table and ask your friend to do the same.
Enjoying in-person conversations more often will simultaneously strengthen
your communication skills and allow you to forge deeper, more genuine
connections with those around you.
CONTINUATION
While pursuing your degree at Grand Canyon University, you will acquire
verbal and written communication skills as you pursue your academic and
career dreams. In addition to the skillsets received in our programs, GCU
offers extensive enrichment opportunities, including more than 70 clubs and
organizations that allow you to truly connect with your peers. Click on the
button at the top of your screen to Request Info about becoming a GCU
student and find out how you can blend your passion with purpose.
Retrieved From:
1 The Library of Congress, America’s Story, The First Telephone Call
2 ResearchGate, Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Students' Writing Skills: A
Case Study of University of Peshawar
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PROJECT TEAM
[Link] JIBREEL(C)
AASHISH RANA
PUSHKAR
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