#vocal language

Speech or the vocal language, which we use for communicating is based on the correlation between sounds and the meaning attributed to these sounds. Sounds by themselves do not carry an inherent meaning. It's we, the humans, who associate a meaning to them. And that's how languages came into existence.

Across all the spoken languages, the basic sound unit is a syllable. In them, a single syllable or a set of syllables form a word. And within the framework of language, there are several such predefined words (set of sounds) with attributed meanings. The moment a speaker produces these sounds, arraying them meaningfully as phrases or sentences, we relate to the message the speaker is trying to convey. Likewise, each time we create a meaningful combination of sounds, we transport a message. And in this way, in a sound language, meaningful sounds are used to carry an intended message. On the receiving end, we recognize these sounds and understand the message.

But, what if we are not introduced to this world of sounds at all? Everything may just sound Greek and Latin. In other words, when we do not know a particular language, we will remain utterly clueless about what a speaker is trying to convey to us through its sounds. Now, even if we know a language, if we lack the clarity of expression, we may fail to communicate properly. And not just that, we may also end up communicating a wrong message, even if we had intended to convey an entirely different one. There can be another scenario, where a speaker is exceptionally articulate, so much so that anything the speaker utters is rhyming and poetic. What should we hail here? The artistic element in the language or the message? Art can be appealing to our sense of hearing, but it's the message that defines the purposefulness of communication.

Nevertheless, it points to the presence of another vital aspect of sound language called intonation. Why poetry appeals to our sense of hearing is, modulation of language, created by way of rhythmic arrangement of words in them produces pleasing sounds. In the same way, modulation of sound language communicates something in addition to words and their intended meaning. A phrase or sentence could convey a different meaning when it is delivered using varying pitches and loudness. It can imply the mood of the speaker and also the intensity of the message. So, modulation of sound language, not only carries word associated meaning of the language but also conveys the emotional state of the speaker.

We saw here two vital elements of sound language; word associated meaning and intonation. By being conscious of both, we can know how we use words in excess and also our energy in delivering a message. Many a time, we also produce meaningless sounds and unwarranted noise in communication. If we desire to make the output of our sound language more precise, we have to become increasingly conscious of our speech.

Now, there is another element to sound language, about which we have to be cautious. It is not part of the language itself. It is rather a part of the speaker, which can stay hidden; that's the speaker's intention. Anyone who is adept in handling the language and is an expert in manipulating one's modulation without revealing one's emotions or intentions can be a master craftsman in rendering a word perfect and pitch perfect rhetoric.

We may see many enigmatic orators in different walks of life. They easily grab the limelight. Some become leaders. A few walk the talk. But who knows what the true intentions of rest others? Only the course of life may reveal. That's why we should never get carried away by the artistic flamboyance of language, instead look for the purposefulness of communication. Sans the veil of illusion sounds can create, sound language can be an excellent tool for communication and also for self-observation if we harness it to create value for others.