Although speech is the most advanced form of communication, there are many ways of communicating without using speech. Signals, signs, symbols, and gestures may be found in every known culture. The basic function of signal is to impinge upon the environment in such a way that it attracts attention, as, for example, the dots and dashes of a telegraph circuit. Coded to refer to speech, the potential for communication is very great. Less adaptable to the codification of words, signs also contain meaning in and of themselves. A stop sign or a barber pole conveys meaning quickly and conveniently.

   Symbols are more difficult to describe than either signals or signs because of their intricate relationship with the receiver’s cultural perceptions. In some cultures, applauding in a theater provides performers with an auditory symbol of approval. Gestures such as waving and handshaking also communicate certain cultural messages.

   Although signals, signs, symbols, and gestures are very useful, they do have a major disadvantage in communication. They usually do not allow ideas to be shared without the sender being directly adjacent to the receiver. Without an exchange of ideas, interaction comes to a halt. As a result, means of communication intended to be used for long distances and extended periods must be based upon speech. To radio, television, and the telephone, one must add fax, paging systems, electronic mail, and the Internet, and no one doubts but that there are more means of communication on the horizon.

It may be concluded from this passage that ____________.

Câu hỏi liên quan

• Which of the following volunteer activities is NOT mentioned in the passage?

• The expression catch a whiff is closest in meaning to________.

• "It” in the passage refers to_______.

ZUNIA12

• Sixty years ago, most women ____________.

• How would the author probably characterize the people who are mentioned in the first line of the second paragraph?

• What does the author mean by staring that, "At interpersonal levels, tone may reflect ideas and feelings over and above the words chosen" ?

• With which of the following topics is the passage primarily concerned?

• It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following presents the greatest danger to a diver?

• Why did the professor study the Brazilian students’ behaviour?

• Who were the first people to have seen these apelike creatures before the five campers?

• The phrase ‘as well as’ in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to ___.

• The word “bizarre” is closest meaning to ..........

• The word “descendants” is closest in meaning to _____.

• Some songs of the Beatles now __________

• The author mentions all of the following as concerns of telecommuting EXCEPT ________.

• What is the ozone layer made of?

• The “pounds” in the second paragraph are probably_______.

• What does the author imply about the effect of climate in the suburban biome?

• The passage suggests that the tsunami resulting from the Krakatoa volcano .....

• The passage mentions which of the following as a reason for the importance of Lake Vostok to scientists?