Language, Communication & Cognition
Three friends. One conversation. Infinite impact.
1️⃣ Language – The Tool 🛠️
What it is:
Language is a structured system of symbols (words, grammar, sounds) we use to represent ideas.
Example:
The word “deadline” is just ink and sound… but your brain instantly feels pressure 😄
Why it matters:
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Shapes how we think (“challenge” vs “problem”)
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Enables precision (science, law, teaching)
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Builds shared meaning across people and cultures
Change the word, change the world (at least inside the head).
2️⃣ Communication – The Act 📡
What it is:
Communication is the process of exchanging meaning using language plus voice, body, context, and silence.
Example:
Saying “I’m fine”
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with a smile = truly fine
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with crossed arms & flat tone = emotional emergency pending 🚨
Why it matters:
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Builds relationships and trust
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Influences decisions and behaviour
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Translates thoughts into social action
Communication is language in motion.
3️⃣ Cognition – The Engine ⚙️
What it is:
Cognition includes thinking, perceiving, remembering, reasoning, and interpreting.
Example:
Two people hear the same feedback:
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Person A: “I failed.”
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Person B: “I learned.”
Same words. Different cognition.
Why it matters:
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Determines interpretation, not just information
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Drives emotions, judgments, and choices
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Filters reality like personalised spectacles 🕶️
🔗 How They Interrelate (The Power Loop)
Cognition → Language → Communication → Cognition
Example loop:
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Cognition: “My boss is angry.”
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Language: “He hates my work.”
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Communication: Defensive replies, stiff posture
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Result: Boss actually gets annoyed → cognition confirmed 😬
A self-fulfilling communication prophecy!
🧩 One-Line Summary
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Cognition decides what you mean
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Language decides how you frame it
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Communication decides how it lands
Master all three—and you don’t just speak better…
You think sharper, connect deeper, and influence cleaner ✨
If you want, I can turn this into
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a one-page visual model,
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a classroom activity, or
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a corporate micro-learning script 🚀
Language: Definitions & Functions (with crisp examples)
Language is not just what we speak—it’s how we think out loud. 😉
A. Definitions of Language
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Language is a system of symbols used to communicate meaning.
Example: The word “home” is just five letters, yet it triggers warmth, memories, and emotion. -
Language is a socially shared code for expressing ideas, feelings, and intentions.
Example: Saying “Good morning” instantly signals politeness and social bonding. -
Language is a cognitive tool that structures human thought.
Example: If you lack words for emotions, you struggle to understand what you feel. -
Language is a medium that connects mind to mind.
Example: A teacher explains a concept—students’ brains light up in synchrony. 🧠✨
B. Functions of Language (with Everyday Examples)
1️⃣ Informative Function – To convey facts
Example: “The meeting starts at 10 a.m.”
Used in teaching, news, instructions.
2️⃣ Expressive Function – To express emotions
Example: “I’m so proud of you!”
Tone + words = emotional connection.
3️⃣ Directive Function – To influence or guide behaviour
Example: “Please submit the report by today.”
Found in classrooms, leadership, parenting.
4️⃣ Social / Phatic Function – To maintain relationships
Example: “How are you?” (You’re not asking for a medical report 😄)
Keeps social doors open.
5️⃣ Cognitive Function – To support thinking and reasoning
Example: Talking to yourself while solving a problem.
Language = thinking scaffold.
6️⃣ Imaginative / Creative Function – To create worlds
Example: Stories, poems, metaphors.
“One small step for man…” 🚀
7️⃣ Identity Function – To express who we are
Example: Choice of words reflects education, culture, profession.
Language wears your personality like a suit.
One Brilliant Insight (Takeaway)
We don’t just use language to communicate.
Language uses us to think, feel, relate, and act.
Master language—and you quietly master communication, cognition, and influence.
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