Communication

The glue of civilization

Communication lies at the heart of what makes us human. It lets us share information, wisdom, hopes and even dreams. The earliest humans left their mark with primitive drawings on cave walls. Today, communication surrounds us morning, noon and night, in forms too numerous to count.

Communication brings all these methods of self-expression together in one place: written, spoken, symbolic, electronic, digital and more. You’ll explore the origins of human language, its history, the technological marvels of the modern age, and even where we’re going in the future. See how the brain responds to words and sounds, learn some basic sign language, try your hand at Chinese calligraphy, play with altering digital photos and see how to share your thoughts at the speed of light. You’ll come away with tools for building stronger communication skills and a better understanding of the phenomenon that links us all together.

Online Extra | Robin White Owen reviews Communication on ExhibitFiles

Exhibition Highlights

Language Karaoke
Learn a new language on our giant digital screen! Choose from some common languages – and one you’ve likely never heard before: Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese and a special British lingo called Cockney Rhyming Slang. You’ll try to copy the sounds you hear and learn how different language can be.

Journey Through the Network
Push a button, send a message. That’s all most of us know about how digital voice, text and picture messages are transferred. In this experience, you are the message, zipping through fiber optic cable, satellites and the air as you move from sender to receiver. Can you navigate your way through the tangled digital web to where you need to be?

► Graffiti Wall
Graffiti is a form of expression dating back millennia, found in Pompeii and other ancient cities. Today, it’s considered part nuisance, part art form. On our 10-foot-long Graffiti Wall, guests can use digital "spray paint" to leave their mark. Unlike on private property, your tag is welcome here!

Writing with Sound
Words are created by combining sounds into recognizable patterns. Try it yourself. Can you create words in more than one language?

Young Visitors Guide

Communication ABCs
Babies learn by mimicking what they see and hear around them. Find out how speech, visual acuity and manual dexterity develop in young children, and ways to help them develop further. Toddlers can enjoy “stroll-up stations” offering activities such as experiments with gears and shapes. They’ll hear language sounds not found in English and examine intriguing patterns and contrasting colors. Learn more about opportunities for young guests.

Communication is made possible by the generosity of Verizon New Jersey and the National Science Foundation.