Difference Between Language and Communication Skills

Language vs Communication Skills
 

Between the language and communication skills, there is a certain difference even though, the two skill sets go hand in hand. Language allows human communication through the structured use of words. In this sense, a language consists of a structured pattern. The proficiency that an individual has in language is vital because it allows him to communicate effectively with others. If an individual lacks language skills, he encounters difficulties when interacting with others. This highlights that language skills are a pre-requisite for effective communication. Communication skills refer to the ability that an individual has in interacting with others effectively. This is the connection between these two skills. Through this article let us examine the differences between the two sets of skills.

What are Language Skills?

A language is a necessity for all human beings as it allows us to interact and exchange our ideas with others. Since ancient times, humans have developed different languages so that it allows them to communicate with others. Mainly there are four skills that one should master when speaking of language skills. They are,

Listening

Speaking

Reading

Writing

Listening skill is considered as the most basic skill and usually, in language education, the student is first given listening activities so that he becomes familiar with the new language. It is only after this that the instructor would move on to the rest. Writing is the final skill that the student has to master. This is considered as a more complex skill. Once the student is competent in all these, he can communicate effectively because he is fully proficient in a language.

What are Communication Skills?

Unlike language skills that are often considered more as a pre-requisite, communication skills are an asset especially in organizational settings. This is why most employers focus a lot of attention on communication skills of potential employees at the recruitment stages. Simply communication skills refer to the ability that an individual has in communicating effectively with others.

Communication skills usually encompass a wide variety of skills ranging from listening to speaking. Also, communication can either be vocal or else written. In all organizations, vocal and written communication among employees is vital to exchange information. For example, an employee who has to conduct a presentation needs excellent skills vocally. Another employee who needs to address his clients would need good written skills to communicate the necessary information.

Also, the mere proficiency in a language of an employee does not guarantee that he has good communication skills. Communication includes not only being proficient in the language but also being able to listen to others and express himself clearly. It involves being accurate and clear in his communication with other. An employee with excellent communication skills expresses himself confidently and uses the language to reach across to others. This highlights that language skills and communication skills refer to two different skills.

What is the difference between Language and Communication Skills?

• Definitions of Language and Communication Skills:

• Language skills refer to being proficient in listening, reading, speaking, and writing a language.

• Communication skills refer to the ability that an individual has in communicating effectively with others.

• Connection:

• Language skills are a pre-requisite for the development of effective communication skills.

• Reference:

• Language skills refer to the proficiency in listening, reading, speaking and writing.

• Communication skills refer to effective interaction with others.

• Point to Note:

• Mere proficiency in a language of an employee does not guarantee that he has good communication skills. It also involves the ability the individual has in being effective and clear in his expressions.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Writing by dotmatchbox at flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
2. People talking via Pixabay (Public Domain)