Communication Between Cultures

these events would be possible. Language allows you to speak, read, write, listen to others,

and even talk to yourself—or to think. Language allows you verbally to convey your inter-

nal emotions and relieve stress by simply uttering a phrase (darn it) or a swear word

(damn). You use language to express pain (ouch!), elation (great!), disappointment (oh

no!), and amazement or surprise (OMG!).^5 Often, these or similar expressions are used

subconsciously, even when no one is around. Language is also employed to invoke assis-

tance from the supernatural. A Jewish rabbi, a Buddhist priest, a Mongolian shaman, the

Pope, a Muslim, or a young child reciting a prayer are all using language to appeal to a

greater power. For all of them, words allow for a special type of social interaction.

Social Cohesion

A common language allows individuals to form social groups and engage in cooperative

efforts. A shared vocabulary enables a group to preserve a record of past events, albeit

Language can take a

variety of forms and

enables a group to

share common systems

and use symbols to

preserve past events.

© Kathleen K. Parker

Social Cohesion 267

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