Photo source: Wikimedia Commons, Tonyesopi
What is language? Here is my definition:
Language is written or spoken symbolsI believe that language extends beyond words. For example, the peace symbol is a form of language, yet it is not a word. Another example, the power symbol used for turning on a computer is language, yet it is also not a word.
I also believe that language excludes symbols that are not written or spoken. For example, a crown is a symbol of royalty, but it is not language. Another example, a large beard is a symbol of intelligence, but it is not language. These are two examples of symbols that are not language.
Despite it's name, I believe that body language is not a language because body language is not written or spoken. Instead, body language is a sign that conveys data. In this regard, it should be called 'body signs'.
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