Ways To Communicate

MESSAGES

Like speech, our brain can help us communicate in many other ways. Reading words on a computer screen, text messages on our phones or a text on a page is very common today.

In addition, the braille system of raised dots gives blind people the chance to read with their fingers.

Sign language and lip reading can also be used by the deaf community.

Finally, body language and facial expressions help us to show each other what we are feeling.

HOW MANY LANGUAGES CAN WE SPEAK?

If you grow up hearing two languages at home, you’ll probably become bilingual with little effort. In addition, it will be easier to learn more languages in the future. Scientists have shown that if you learn two languages at the same time, you’ll use the same part of your brain. In addition, it is easier for a child to learn a second language than for an adult. The ‘critical period’ seems to be between 12 and 20 years of age. Late learners can learn a second language but not as well.

GRAMMAR AND LANGUAGE

Babies begin to respond to speech before they are born and they soon learn to recognise their own mother’s voice after birth. At about 5 months, they start to make their first sounds which are similar in all babies all around the world. Native sounds start to be used at around 12 months. If children hear language, they will learn to speak. If you don’t use the language centres in your brain, you’ll lose the chance to communicate properly.