An infant's cry annouces the beginning of a new life. While babies do not have spoken words, infant crying becomes one of the most important form of communication. It appears that, on exploring the uniqueness of infants' cries, different cries can be described to signal infants' different needs.
Some examples of unique cries are the basic cry, the anger cry and pain cry. Basic cry a rythmic pattern formed by a cry, then brief silence, then a short inspiratory whistle that is higher in pitch and a quick rest before the next cry. Anger cry is a variation of the basic cry with more air forced through vocal chords. Pain cry is characterized by both a sudden loud cry with moaning and a long initial cry followed by a breathing period.
While excessive crying can cause much frustration and stress within the family, crying allows infants to build close relationships to those who respond to their needs. Crying is one of the veyr first forms of communication.
Food for thought
According to a study of over 300 adults, on average, men cry once every month, and women cry at least five times per month. We've seen how crying is a form of communication before we learnt to talk and express ourselves. Now that we are adults, how is crying still a form of communciation?
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Hello Tan Ching,
ReplyDeleteCrying is definitely a form of communication to express how upset one is. In a heated quarrel involving two people (for example a couple), if the girl starts crying, the boy usually lowers his voice (assuming he raised his voice in the heat of the argument) and gives in. I guess many girls use crying as a tool to tell the other party 'I am upset, so stop quarreling with me.':)
Many people cry on purpose too in order to tug on the emotional heartstrings of the other party. Hence, I feel that crying as an effective form of communcation only works if the other party is an emotional person.
Trina
Hi Tan Ching,
ReplyDeleteI believe grown ups cry when we cannot find the right words to express ourselves. Typically it happens when we are either too upset or too happy. For example at the Oscars, we see Hollywood actors and actresses holding on to their trophies, not saying a word, but crying instead.
I guess crying is a form of communicating our emotions at times when words are just not enough to express what we feel.
Samantha
Hey Tan Ching
ReplyDeleteI believe there is the "I'm hungry" cry, "I want attention" cry and "I need a diaper change" cry as well.
There are times at which an individual cries, not to communicate anything to others, but to release pent up emotions from within. I think that the majority of those men who do cry, do it in this context. Most men would not like to be seen crying in the presence of others.
An interesting point to note is that there are two aspects to crying as a form of communication, involuntary crying and voluntary(intentional) crying. The message brought across by both is completely different.
Jackson
Hi,
ReplyDeleteCrying is one of the ways of communication. Not only children but also adults use crying as their ways of showing feelings. There are two types of crying. First type is that we, all cry if we want to express upset. Second type is that we sometimes cry when we have great achievements.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteBesides the two types of crying (unhappiness and joy) that Zaw mentioned d joy, I believe that crying is also a way to release stress too. In another words, crying can be one of the indicators to show the level of stress that someone is undertaking at that point of time.
Chau Ting
Crying helps you when you're speechless and emotionally hurt. While girls tend to tear more often, guys keep their silence when they are upset. I guess crying is a nonverbal way of communication.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Yes, it's true about the different types of crying and nothing can get a parent moving like their child's cry. Another child's cry would arouse the same sudden feeling of anxiety which would disssipate with the realisation that another parent is responsible.
ReplyDeleteI very surprised by the amount of adult crying- I hadn't realised it was so common although I do have friends who are moved to cry by a sad song, babies or warm words.
Mrs Richardson
Actually, I think I am one of those who gets moved to cry easily too. =P
ReplyDeleteI agree with chauting and zaw about the tears of joy and sadness. A point to add is that in either case, you will feel really tired after an outburst.
Hi Tan Ching,
ReplyDeleteI think that crying is really an important tool for babies to communicate. If not for crying, I cannot imagine how else they can bring attention to their needs.
I feel that crying for adults is a way for adults to let out emotional stress.