We begin by knowing what verbal language is. As we have already mentioned, verbal language is the type of language that uses words to interact with one or more people in a specific context on which the communicative act itself will depend.

Verbal language is carried out in two basic ways, one is through the oral format , that is, speaking, giving a conference, chatting on the phone … And another is the written format , which will be through reading a book , a conversation through instant messaging applications, etc., that is, graphically representing the signs of a language so that the receiver understands the message.

Oral language has various levels . That is, either speaking a high and cultured form of language, totally formal and well articulated so that it is easily understandable, but also through vulgarisms and errors that, although they are less understandable, also fulfill their function as long as the issuer achieves explain yourself.

Undoubtedly, correctly expressed articulated language is the highest mode of verbal communication. Whether through technological resources, such as a mobile phone or a computer, or in a chat with friends, using any language well is the greatest exponent.

For its part, non-verbal language is communication through signs different from those of language , but which can be received through various senses, such as sight, smell or touch, and in turn understood or not. We are talking about sensory images such as auditory, olfactory, visual, etc. This includes gestures, movements, sounds that are not very intelligible but may be understandable, etc.

We find various forms in non-verbal language, for example, light, such as the blinker of a car , images, something that could be any painting, sounds such as a hiss or a growl, gestures, such as raising the big toe in a sign of victory, colors, because red can be associated with passion, flags in the maritime world …

We can see that even within non-verbal language, advanced and common communication techniques have been developed. For example, if you fly a flag of Spain, everyone who knows it will automatically understand what your nationality is.

Verbal and non-verbal language can go hand in hand on multiple occasions. In fact, good dexterity in both is perfectly complementary. We can observe common cases, such as a person who talks to you and at the same time touches you or gestures a lot with his hands, someone who explains the meaning of a traffic sign, etc.

Today a form of communication has been born that unifies verbal and non-verbal language through new technologies . We find it easily when we look at social networks or messaging applications and chats and we use a mixture of writing with symbols, such as hearts or the famous smileys to communicate emotions, feelings or simply give visual responses that better explain our mood.

The examples that we can find in both types of language are multiple.

Examples of verbal language

• Conversation between Juan and Julia: Are you coming with me? No, I’ll wait for you at the door.
• Chat between María and Paco: Are you in your room? No, I’m getting off work.

Examples of non-verbal language

• Pouting at punishment or anger from your parents.
• Being seated correctly in class as a sign of interest and correction.
• Look at the food with the desire to start tasting it.
• Putting the turn signal on a moped.

Now that we know the definition of verbal and non-verbal language and examples, we are going to finish by making a brief summary of the essential difference in these two linguistic structures.

The main difference is the following:

• Verbal communication uses words for communication to exist.
• Non-verbal communication is used for gestures or visual behaviors .