BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES - Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie

Even from the point of view of syntax, spoken language usually
has its own set of grammatical patterns which sometimes may be quite
different from that in written language. In many languages, the written
form is considered a different language, a situation called diglossia.
Human language is unique in comparison to other forms of
communication, such as those used by other animals, because it allows
humans to produce an infinite set of utterances from a finite set of
elements, and because the symbols and grammatical rules of any particular
language are largely arbitrary, so that the system can only be acquired
through social interaction. The known systems of communication used by
animals, on the other hand, can only express a finite number of utterances
that are mostly genetically transmitted. Human language is also unique in
that its complex structure has evolved to serve a much wider range of
functions than any other kinds of communication system.
Verbal communication can be efficient, inefficient and even
socially inacceptable.
The form of antisocial verbal communication is verbal abuse.
Verbal abuse (also called reviling or verbal attack) is a form of
abusive behavior involving the use of language. It is a form of profanity
that can occur with or without the use of expletives. While oral
communication is its most common form, verbal abuse may be expressed
in the form of written word as well.
Verbal abuse is a pattern of behavior that can seriously interfere
with a person's healthy emotional development. A single exposure to
verbal assault can be enough to significantly affect a person's self-esteem,
emotional well-being, and physical state.
Verbal abuse is best described as an ongoing emotional
environment organized by the abuser for the purposes of control. The
underlying factor in the dynamic of verbal abuse is the abuser’s low regard
for him or herself. The abuser attempts to place their victim in a position to
believe similar things about him or herself, a form of warped projection.
Reports of verbal and emotional abuse indicate that it frequently
occurs in romantic relationships between men and women, where women
are generally reported as the victims. However, verbal abuse may occur to
a person of any gender, race, culture, size, sexual orientation, or age.
Typically, verbal abuse increases in intensity over time and often
escalates into physical abuse as well.
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