JDQuakers let us know that IGN has a Q & A with Bungie's Urk right here. Some interesting talk on the reasoning behind certain decisions like player names as well as which aspects of the game are still in some deliberation, like voice communication, thanks to Beta feedback.
Personally, I'd be fine with not talking to strangers, though I could see some more Fable-esque emotes, like acting like a chicken or farting for example, could be instrumental in challenging missions.