In a short essay, explain how language can serve as a barrier to effective communication

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Words mean different things to different people. Age, education, and cultural background are three of the more obvious variables that influence the language a person uses and the definitions he or she gives to words. People may speak the same language, but use of that language is far from uniform. Senders tend to assume that the words and phrases they use mean the same to the receiver as they do to them. This is incorrect and creates communication barriers.

An example of a language problem might include the use of profanity. A company that views itself as "hip" or "urban" might use forms of profanity freely in its communications–something that a more traditional organization might find inappropriate, vulgar, and even shocking.