What is communication?

We need meaning for our words, so we search for it through some sort of communication.  Communication is our window through academics, relationships, friendships, etc.

Where would we be without Skype?  Facebook? IM? E-mail?  Even this blog?  Simple things we don’t seem to think about anymore are here because we need places to communication to each other.  And while these places may not be ideal for some, no one can deny their popularity and the fact people are using them at some point in their day-to-day lives.

It’s a two-way process.

We are born with the ability to talk and speak with each other, however, the way we communicate is learned.  When we’re in a group of students some of us may sit back before we add to conversation because we want to observe the communication methods of our peers.  If we do not communicate with our professors, do not speak appropriately in our papers, our way of communication is misunderstood.

You wouldn’t talk to a friend the same way you’d talk to your parents.  This is because over time, we’ve developed different, and newer ways to communicate.  Skype gives people the option to video chat at any moment in time, with anyone.  Instant messaging, text messaging and various other web sites provide a way of communication that our parents never had.

Does this mean our parents are better face-to-face communicators?  Does that mean we’re better on the Internet?

Non-verbal communication is also a huge part of communicating.  This is how a relationship, or a friendship starts.  That wink you give someone across the room can say more than needed when you’re trying to grab someone’s attention.  Once a relationship or a friendship starts, communication is key to keep it together.  Talking on a daily basis, learning about each other, it’s all part of communicating and keeping things together.

When we travel, we may often step out of our comfort zones when we visit another country.  What we are so use to in our day-to-day lives is now completely thrown out the window.  A wave in the states may mean a friendly hello, but in another country; it could be some sort of terrorist symbol.  Just like we were brought up to communicate the way we do, in other countries, they were taught the same overall concept, just with different meaning.  The way we would communicate in other countries is similar, in terms of the technological aspect.  Skype, social networking, and e-mail are also popular in other countries.

In today’s job market, if you’re bilingual, your chances of getting a job are a lot better.  This is easier to do, as you can minor or even major in another language while you're in college.  This is because as we’re growing, more people are moving to other countries.  As this happens, our need for another language will become more ideal in society.