Key Concepts in Communication, Grammar, and Natural Sciences

Posted on Jul 21, 2025 in Arts and Humanities

Understanding Language and Communication

Language is the capacity of human beings to communicate through signs, using perceptible elements that represent ideas or things. It functions as a code or system, whether verbal or nonverbal, that encodes concrete signs, decrypts them, and conveys messages.

Key Elements of Communication

  • Sender: The originator of the message.
  • Receiver: The recipient of the message.
  • Referent (Context or Situation): The reality or topic to which the message refers.
  • Channel: The medium through which the message travels.
  • Code: The system of signs used (e.g., language).
  • Message: The information conveyed.

Functions of Language

  • Expressive Function: Shows the subjective attitude of the sender.
  • Appellative or Conative Function: Aims to influence the receiver’s behavior or call their attention.
  • Referential or Representative Function: Provides information about reality.
  • Phatic Function: Maintains or checks the communicative connection.
  • Metalinguistic Function: Explains or defines aspects of the code itself and its use.
  • Poetic Function: Focuses on the message itself, often for aesthetic purposes.

Distinguishing Spoken (LO) and Written (LE) Language

Spoken and written language are distinguished by their channel, characteristics, and durability.

Spoken Language (LO)

  • Channel: Primarily auditory.
  • Character: More spontaneous and often informal.
  • Context: Provides an instant connection in time and space.
  • Nonverbal Support: Often supported by nonverbal cues (gestures, tone).
  • Durability: The message is generally more ephemeral.

Written Language (LE)

  • Channel: Primarily visual.
  • Character: More elaborate and often formal.
  • Context: Provides a message deferred in time and space.
  • Nonverbal Support: Does not rely on nonverbal cues.
  • Durability: The message is generally more durable.

Vocabulary Building

Adjectives

  • Amazing
  • Colorful
  • Boring
  • Exciting
  • Original
  • Fascinating
  • Tasty
  • Traditional
  • Folk
  • Weird

Verbs (Financial)

  • Advertise
  • Borrow
  • Lend
  • Save
  • Earn
  • Spend
  • Sell
  • Win

Nouns (Geography & Landmarks)

  • Border
  • Equator
  • Island
  • Lake
  • Forest
  • Mountain Range
  • Pole
  • River
  • Ocean
  • Waterfall
  • Art Gallery
  • Avenue
  • Church
  • Cathedral
  • Bridge
  • Fountain
  • Palace
  • Museum
  • Tower
  • Square
  • Statue

Verbs (Communication)

  • Chat
  • Cry
  • Laugh
  • Make a phone call
  • Send a text message
  • Send an email
  • Shout
  • Smile
  • Write a letter

Art Terms

  • Abstract
  • Landscape
  • Portrait
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Self-portrait
  • Still Life
  • Sketch

Professions & Related Terms

  • Composer: Composition, Compose
  • Designer: Design (noun), Design (verb)
  • Inventor: Invention, Invent
  • Painter: Painting (noun), Paint (verb)
  • Sculptor: Sculpture (noun), Sculpt (verb)

Grammar Notes: Time Expressions

  • Since: Used for specific dates or points in time.
  • For: Used for durations.
  • How long? / Ever?: Commonly used in questions with perfect tenses.
  • Never: Used in negative perfect tense sentences, typically placed before the past participle.

Biological Concepts: Evolution and Ecology

Evidence for Evolution

The similarity between species is attributed to the existence of a common ancestor. Proofs of evolution include:

  • Anatomical Structures: Comparative study of body structures to establish kinship relations.
    • Homologous Organs: Share the same internal structure but may have different external forms and functions (e.g., human arm and bat wing).
    • Analogous Organs: Have similar functions but different origins and internal structures (e.g., bird wing and insect wing).
    • Vestigial Organs: Organs that have lost their original function over evolutionary time (e.g., human appendix).
  • Paleontological Evidence: The study of fossils.
  • Embryological Evidence: Comparative study of embryonic development in different animals.

Ecology and Ecosystems

Ecology is the science that studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.

An Ecosystem is a natural system consisting of a community of organisms, their environment, and all the relationships established between organisms and abiotic (non-living) factors.

Components of an Ecosystem

  • Biotope (Abiotic Factors): The non-living part of an ecosystem.
    • Substrate: The surface on which organisms settle, move, or displace.
    • Medium: The surrounding environmental factors, including all physicochemical variables influencing organisms.
  • Biocenosis (Biotic Community): The living part or group of organisms that inhabit a particular area.