The physical and psychological difficulties which accompany grief resulting from another's death are described, and the intrapersonal and interpersonal communication behaviors exhibited by bereaved individuals are outlined. The role of intrapersonal communication--the mourner communicating with himself--and interpersonal communication--the mourner communicating with others on an informal level--and the therapeutic value of communication concepts for dealing with grief are examined. The rapidly developing study of thanatology--the science of dying--and the emergence of grief therapy groups, in which those who have experienced grief meet with newly bereaved persons, are interpreted as testaments to the importance of communication as the prime variable in this situation. Communication provides a therapeutic catharsis for the mourner and, application of communication concepts in the verbalization of grief can provide a set of labels and information which help the grieved person deal with his problems. Effective intra- and interpersonal communication can ease the pain experienced by the mourners. (LG)