Not all language is verbal. Some of our communication occurs without words. We often use our entire bodies for communication. We may raise our eyebrows to indicate surprise. Perhaps we nod our heads to show that we agree with something. There are hundreds of nonverbal signals that can be used to communicate. These signals are part of language, and they are governed by rules in the same way that our spoken language is. For this reason, people who speak different languages often use different nonverbal signals as well.
In addition to verbal communication and the type of nonverbal communication discussed above, there are other message systems that we use to communicate. When we speak to some people, we may stand very close to them, while we may stand far away from other people. Use of space, then, is a way we can communicate the relationship we feel with another person. The way we dress can also communicate for us. The person who wears dirty jeans and a T-shirt communicates a different attitude form a person who wears neat trousers and an attractive shirt. We can even use time to communicate. The person who is on time for an appointment shoes a different attitude from the person who is an hour late does. Can you think of other message systems from we use?