50 Examples of Linguistic and Non-Linguistic Communication

Linguistic and non-linguistic communication

The linguistic communication It is that communication in which words are used to convey a message. For instance: a conversation between two people.The non-linguistic communication It is one in which words are not used, but gestures, sounds, images and signals to convey a message. For instance: an advertising image that only has one photograph.

Linguistic communication is only established by people and can be oral or written. For people to communicate, they have to share the same code, that is, they have to speak the same language.

This communication is more precise than non-linguistic (because a message with words is easier to interpret) and is voluntary, that is, the sender is aware that he is communicating something.

Non-linguistic communication can be between people or between animals. It is not as precise as linguistic communication, since the same message can be interpreted in different ways, and it may be unintentional, as an issuer may not be aware that they are communicating something.

A message sent by one person can establish linguistic communication and non-linguistic communication at the same time. For example: a person may say hello by saying "hello" (linguistic) while she raises and waves her arm (non-linguistic).

Examples of linguistic communication

1. A lecture delivered by one person in front of an audience.
2. A letter.
3. A conversation in which people are present.
4. An email.
5. The lyrics of a song.
6. A news item from a newspaper.
7. A legend.
8. An oral testimony.
9. An instruction manual.
10. A chat conversation.
11. A dedication in a book.
12. An encyclopedia.
13. A law.
14. A monograph.
15. A graduate thesis.
16. A conversation on the phone.
17. A class at the university.
18. An indication from a doctor on how to take a medicine.
19. An invitation to a wedding.
20. A video call between people in a work team.
21. A tweet.
22. An academic essay.
23. A telegram.
24. The slogans of an exam.
25. The nutritional information of a food.

Examples of non-linguistic communication

1. The wink of a car, used to indicate the direction in which the vehicle will turn.
2. A painting.
3. An emergency exit sign.
4. Striking the floor constantly with your foot (gesture that communicates that a person is impatient).
5. The red traffic light, which indicates that the cars have to stop.
6. Lights of a lighthouse, which indicate the proximity of the ships with the coast.
7. The horn of a car.
8. A dangerous curve sign.
9. An emoticon.
10. The call to attention to a person by touching his shoulder.
11. The frown (gesture that indicates that a person is angry).
12. The siren of the ambulance.
13. The sound of a referee's whistle to indicate a foul in a soccer game.
14. The neigh of a horse.
15. A smile (gesture that indicates that a person is happy).
16. A person who moves his head from side to side to communicate that he does not want something.
17. The purr of a cat.
18. A person who greets by raising and waving his arm.
19. A person who raises his thumb to indicate that he agrees with something.
20. A lion roaring at another lion.
21. A cartoon that only has pictures.
22. Point with the index finger to indicate where something is.
23. Shake hands to greet each other.
24. Putting your hands on your face (a gesture that can indicate that the person is tired).
25. Smoke signals, which transmit different messages according to their color and shape.

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