Programming is really just another form of communication. We type in some code, tell the computer that we've got some stuff for it to read, and then it gives us back a response when we run it. The write, compile, run feedback loop is like having a conversation with the computer.
Generalizing a little bit, using a computer itself is a form of communication. We put some input into the computer, whether we type something in, or use a mouse or some other device. Then the computer responds back to us. It can also work the other way too. The computer can prompt us for action, usually after a particular event occurs. For example, we can have a msgbox alert us of new mail as it arrives.
Thinking about it from a conversational perspective, our interactions with the computer become more effective if we can better articulate what we are trying to do. If we can phrase a question, or a particular action in a more effective manner, then it's more likely that we'll get a good response back from our computers. Usually, the whole trick comes down to saying the right thing.
And as programmers, the choice of programming language is really just that. It's how we choose to describe our application to the computer. Seen from this light, arguments have been made that if you're able to express yourself in fewer words, then you're using a better language for the job. It also follows the language parallel in that certain languages have many more words for a particular concept, each with a slightly different meaning. These languages are adept at expressing the subtle variations of this concept. And if a language doesn't have a word for a concept, then chances are it doesn't know how to express it effectively either.
Programmers generally get a bad rap about being poor communicators. But, if programming is just a form of communication, can this be true? I'd argue no. The best programmers turn out to be effective communicators too. They really are able to express their points in a clear, concise way. After all, they're used to writing clear, concise code.