Forms of Communication
There are several forms of communication. These forms of communication fall under the umbrellas of communication that is symbolic, written, verbal, and of the body. In addition, there are digital and/or electronic forms of communication. Although these latter forms of communication are efficient, we must be mindful of the human element of face to face live communication that we require as human beings, and that a steady diet of digital and electronic communication can have a tendency to alienate us from one another.
Symbolic and Written Forms of Communication
Symbolic and written communication enabled humankind to communicate and record history that took place many years ago; in fact, it is believed that some of the symbols scribed on the inside of caves were made from early humans that dated as far back as one million years BC. Some of the oldest forms of communication were symbolic in nature; for example, the Ancient Egyptians developed an alphabet with symbols that represented each letter in their alphabet, and they would put words together that formed sentences through clustering them vertically. Early native peoples did much the same thing through using physical symbols through the medium of smoke signals to warn their people of danger or to signal an attack to begin battle. As the human race has evolved globally, our form of written communication has become what it is today: more sophisticated with grammar and vocabulary.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is also one of the oldest forms of communication and it too dates back to the times of early humans where sounds such as grunts, groans, and other guttural sounds, at different volumes or inflections, indicated friendly communication or a threat or warning to stay away from food or belongings. As is the case with the development of writing, our verbal communication has progressed and has become as we know it today.
Body Language
Another form of communication that is neither verbal nor written is body language. Reading a persons body language can indicate if they are upset, nervous, stressed out, or angry. On the other hand, body language can also show if a person is relaxed, tired, happy or sad. Body language is a very effective form of communication that is used by children and adults, but it is also used by domestic or wild animals; for example, you can tell just as easily if a saber-toothed tiger is about to attack or when your pet cat wants a back rub, yet both of these forms of communication through body language are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Digital or Electronic Forms of Communication
Our world has progressed quickly over the years with the inception of digital and electronic forms of communication. From that fateful day Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone to the present, humankind has swiftly moved forward in its digital or electronic communication. Instruments and tools such as computers, e-mail, faxes, radio, satellite television, the telephone, and the cellular phone have aided humankind in its quest to communicate efficiently. Unfortunately, it has also increased the workload experienced by people around the world.
Conclusion
Communication is such an important and large part of our lives that encompasses each moment of our existence. The latest innovations in technological communication (digital and/or electronic) are wonderful tools and resources that can enhance our lives through the convenience of communication that is fast and efficient. Nonetheless, we need to be conscious of the fact that we are human beings with emotions, feelings and thoughts, unlike the digital electronic tools that enable us to communicate with anyone anywhere around the world within seconds. Thus, the best form of communication, due to our human nature, is face to face live verbal communication where we are able receive the person, come to know them in their entirety, and have the benefit of more accurate perceptions that can easily be misconstrued via e-mail or another of the many digital or electronic technologies. Indeed, technology is a wonderful tool, but it is not an end to our means. As mentioned previously in my Blog, I believe in using technology in a practical manner. When we communicate in any way other than face to face (live) we lose that part of the humanness that makes us unique and special to each other. We must never forget our roots of communication and not allow digital or electronic forms of communication to alienate us from each other. I realize that when we desire to communicate with someone that is up north, in another province, or half way around the world, the most practical means of communication is digitally or electronically. As I have mentioned before, the more practically we use technology, the better technology will serve us and our planet.
