Final answer:
Language is a form of communication that utilizes a system of symbols, including words and grammar, to transmit ideas and emotions. It is a crucial tool for cultural and social exchange and can take many forms, including spoken, written, or signed language.
Step-by-step explanation:
Language is a form of communication—spoken, written, or signed—that is based on a system of symbols. This system includes a lexicon or vocabulary and a set of grammatical rules to organize the words and convey meanings. The symbols used in language can be vocal sounds, as in spoken languages, or physical representations, such as the letters in written languages or the hand gestures used in sign language.
Societies use language to communicate thoughts and feelings, and it's through this system that cultural and social norms are learned and transmitted. Whether through the 26-letter English alphabet, sign language's gestures, or the complex characters in Mandarin Chinese, all languages rely on agreed-upon symbols to create meaning and facilitate communication between individuals.