Communication Error: Perceptive Signals

The spoken language is a barrier battled by every individual in the social world on a daily bases. Language is perceived in different ways by different people and therefore can be misinterpreted. The intricate mechanisms of language can also be abused in a way that purposefully send confusing signals which skew the meaning of the message as well as to whom it is directed. As a whole, language has many different shapes and hurtles that are challenged each and every day.

The quote from Gates is both truthful and incorrect. One of the most common ways that a person will speak negatively of another person is through indirect language. Often, a group of three or so will be engaged in conversation when one person will make a remark to the second person suggesting something about the third person without using names or direct language. In this way, the “nay sayer” is attempting to retain his appearance while denouncing that of the third person. The problem with this approach is that the indirect language will transform into direct language at the third person catches on and retorts against the appearance described by the first person. In the end, the first person’s motives will be seen and he will appear both cowardly and ignorant.

The way in which a person perceives the signals put out by another has nothing to do with intellect, yet is learned over time as people form bonds and build relationships. However, even individuals with a long history will misinterpret each other. As a thought in the brain is converted into spoken language specific signals are put out. The receiver of the message first has to digest the actual message—what the spoken words are—and then has to interpret the signals that come with it. It is this interpretation that determines if the receiver understands what the sender is trying to communicate. To further complicate things, the sender may not know when the receiver is not following what he is saying. In this case, the two may continue to exchange dialogues in assumption that each understands what is being said.

When one person does not fully understand what another is saying a negative image is usually associated with the confusion. When the person speaking is advising the receiver of some new information, the receiver—being confused—may feel as though he is being talked down to. The receiver will then form a defensive stance against the sender creating a language barrier. The degree of attitude the receiver shows in this defensive stance will determine how long it will take to overcome this barrier. If the receiver subtly shows his annoyance, the unseeing sender may not notice that his friend has taken a defensive stance against him. However if the receiver waves a red flag in front of the defender’s face, the two will realize much faster that there is a problem, and therefore will be able to overcome it faster. Such problems are typically small yet are seen quite often between communicating beings. Language is the route of these problems, yet eventually it helps to solve them.