The existence of humanity is directly influenced by the ability of out interaction through communication. From this standpoint, communication is a mandatory factor in human existence. Our ability to communicate increases our abilities to develop numerous social circles and interactions. The society has increasingly developed numerous ways that people may communicate. These mechanisms are aimed at overcoming barriers that may arise during the communication process. Regardless of these efforts, communication can be easily distorted depending on the form of message, the receiver and the recipient and the mode of communication used (Hunt & Colander, 2008).
Both linguistics and the social media may explain the risks and barriers that mat emanate from communication. The social media has created a platform that incorporates different methods of communication. For instance, pictures and videos are occasionally used in the social media platforms. On the other hand, linguistics increases our ability to engage in communication strategies. Linguistics studies increase our abilities to engage with other people through different modes of communication (Daniela & Reiss, 2013). In addition, is enables us understand the most basic feature of communication, language. Both the social media and linguistics are important fields in social science. How are the two fields impactful to the society? How important is a person’s knowledge on both the social media and linguistics?
The social media
Phillips (2009) describes social media as a modern way of communication that allows the use of more than words. The author further cites that social media is the use of e-space for communication purposes. Over the years, the popularity of social media platforms has increased significantly. The society has continuously accepted the importance of the mode of communication. In addition, Phillips (2009) is of the assumption that people below forty years have used or accessed one social media site. Such trends have made social media an important interaction factor in the society. The creation of numerous platforms evidence the assumption that the society is increasingly understand the communication convenience of the communication platform. Common and most accessed social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have attracted over billion of subscribers globally (Phillips, 2009). The trend depicts its impact on the society.
The popularity of social media is influenced by the nature of communication process. The platform has created an easy and faster way of communication. For instance, a person from one continent may communicate with another in a different continent with ease and fast. In an argument by Hunt & Colander (2008) the ability of social media to create a connection in people at different places has led to its increased popularity. In addition, people are provided with the opportunity to access information they desire. Through this ability, people share numerous date and information on their common likes and dislikes. From a human nature perspective, the similarities in human perception or views enable the creation of a particular social group (Hunt & Colander, 2008). The survival of the society is highly dependable on our abilities to bond with people that share our perception and opinions. The social media platform enables people to realize this need without the need of physical interaction.
It is an accurate assertion that the social media has greatly improved out communication abilities. The platform has increased it is paradigm of use as it has been adapted for professional use and communication. In social science, understand the trend may an important factor in understanding the need and trends embraced by the society. In addition, with the social media becoming an important part of people’s lives social science may not overlook the importance of the platform in the modern society.
Linguistics
Daniela & Reiss (2013) define linguistics as the study of different languages. The authors further points out that with the study we are enabled to understand the requirements to communicate in different languages (Daniela & Reiss, 2013). Linguistics is created from the fact that we need language to be able to speak to other people who may embrace different language from us. In addition, we need to understand the rule to speak in a language different from our own. In example, the linguistics skills required to speak in English may be different to the skills in Spanish. For this reason, there is a need to develop mechanism that may increase the ability of people to communicate with people speaking different languages. The general function of linguistics is to enable us develop a communication system that may rhyme rules required to speak in another language.
The function is linguistics in the modern society is based on that the interaction of human beings is determinant on the ability to communicate in a language that another person understands (Daniela & Reiss, 2013). Additionally, the interaction of people is not limited to people who speak similar languages. The modern day society is characterized by interaction of people from different communities that may use different languages. Due to globalization, people have travelled to different parts of the globe but still communicate with people. This is enabled by the ability of people to develop a common language that may enhance their communication abilities (Daniela & Reiss, 2013). For instance, the youthful population may develop a slang not that may only be understood by people who know its basis of creation. In this instance, the slang may not reflect the requirements from any community or cultural affiliation. With the help of linguistics we are able to understand these developed modes of communication. Hunt & Colander (2008) asserts that linguistics enables us understand the extent at which language is developed. The author further asserts that it increases the ability of people to fit in different social spaces and groups.
The impact of linguistics on the society is significant. Daniela & Reiss (2013) point out that sociology studies depend greatly on the understanding of the mode of communication between people. In addition, the fact that language has developed to suit particular groups has increased the need to embrace linguistics. It enables eradication of barriers to effective communication. Most importantly, it increases the suitability of a person to fit in social groups that use alternative languages other that their own.
Conclusion
References
Daniela, I. & Reiss, C. (2013). Language: An Introduction to Linguistics as Cognitive Science. New York: Oxford University Press
Hunt, E. & Colander, C. (2008). Social science: An introduction to the study of society. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.
Phillips, D. (2009). Online Public Relations: A Practical Guide to Developing an Online Strategy in the World of Social Media. London: Kogan Page Publishers.]
