Research Undertakings


A large percentage of meaning in communication is obtained from non-verbal cues. Facial expressions, fast-moving fingers, and even the entire body of a speaker, all communicate signals as he/she speaks. As a result, a speaker often says one thing but communicates something different either through their facial expression, intonation, tone, body language or some other signals. These mixed signals force the receiver to choose and interpret the message from different perspectives. Frequently, such interpretations end up wrongly with the listener arriving at a particular, unintended meaning of the message. Mixed signals therefore create confusion, tension and subsequently mistrust because the receiver of a message, rightly or wrongly, senses that the communicator was trying to hide something while trying to communicate their message. It is important both for the employers and employees to realize that correct and sincere language use enhance smooth workflow and rapid production of results. Conversely, when ill-feelings, biases and prejudices color, stain, or simply interfere with our communication, we either receive delayed feedback or no feedback at all. At ALCA, we conduct researches in language use to help organizations solve problems of communication in the workplace in order to promote healthier work relationships and through this speed up company production and service delivery.