Question

From your working definition of "language," is the commonly referred-to concept of "body language" really a language? Why or why not? Answer in complete sentences.

Answer 1

I would argue that body language is really a language. The definition of language is a typically human ability to communicate through complex systems. How one's body "speaks" is certainly a complex form of communication. Our body's communicate through shape and proximity, if we feel uncomfortable, we make ourselves smaller and closed in for comfort and safety. We also physically step back away from dangerous or uncomfortable situations because of our instincts of fight-or-flight. If we are engaged, we lean in and are open in our positioning. If we are romantically inclined to someone, we will positions ourselves as close as possible to the person and make ourselves open, even our feet will point to them. Other people can view our body and see how we are truly reacting. While we may be verbally speaking one thing, our body actually "says" the truth.