What does language refer to?

Language is fundamentally understood as a system of communication that operates on shared rules for representing ideas, concepts, and emotions. This encompasses the use of symbols, including words and grammar, to construct meaningful messages that can be understood by others within a linguistic community.

The emphasis on "shared rules" highlights that language is not merely an individual experience but rather a collective one, where the same symbols and structures are used consistently among speakers of a language to facilitate understanding and communication. This shared aspect is critical; without common rules and structures, effective communication would break down.

Moreover, while the other options touch on aspects of communication, they do not capture the full scope and definition of language. For instance, defining language solely as verbal communication ignores non-verbal forms that are equally important in conveying meaning. Similarly, focusing on personal experience or behavioral expressions limits the definition to individual interpretation or context-specific actions rather than the broader, universally understood system of symbols and rules that constitute a language.