I apologize if my previous response was unclear. Sound is not useless in language; in fact, it is a fundamental component of communication and language itself. Sound, specifically spoken language, is the primary means by which humans convey information and exchange ideas.
Language encompasses a complex system of sounds, words, grammar, and meaning. When we speak, we use sound to produce words and sentences that carry meaning. The sounds we produce are received by others, who decode and interpret the information conveyed through those sounds.
Sound in language allows for various elements of communication, including:
Phonetics and Phonology: Sound is essential for distinguishing different phonetic units (individual sounds) and phonological patterns (sound patterns) within a language. These distinctions help differentiate words, syllables, and grammar.
Articulation and Pronunciation: The precise production of sounds allows for clarity and intelligibility in spoken language. Different sounds and their combinations convey specific meanings and nuances.
Prosody and Intonation: Sound carries information beyond individual words. Prosody, including stress, rhythm, and intonation, helps convey emotions, emphasis, and syntactic structure in speech.
Speech Perception: Sound is crucial for listeners to interpret and understand spoken language. Our ability to perceive and differentiate sounds aids in recognizing words, understanding context, and extracting meaning from speech.
While written language also plays a significant role in communication, sound is the foundation of spoken language and provides a richness and immediacy that written language alone cannot replicate.
In summary, sound is an essential and far from useless component of language, enabling the transmission of meaning, expression, and effective communication between individuals.