The Idea of Language - Case Study Example

Idea of Language and its Importance on Culture [Name] [Institutional Affiliation] Introduction The term language refers to a set of signs (verbal or non-verbal or otherwise) that human beings use to exchange information. Culture, on the hand, finds its meaning in the whole way of life of a given set of people (Middleton, 2002). Culture encompasses aspects like religion, lifestyle, traditions and language itself. Culture emanates from the human mind and it derives its meaning from language which also propagates and sustains it. Both language and culture have a symbiotic relationship. While culture forms part of what culture is, language plays the role of expressing values, traditions and norms that define culture. Thus, it is evident that without language, culture can die since it cannot be expressed. On the other hand, the form of language used to express the norms, values and traditions of a given people is highly depended on the culture. This gives rise to an indispensable relationship between language and culture. Language has diverse roles in culture. This essay examines the idea of language and its importance in culture. Language and its Importance in Culture Cultural identity The identity of a given community people is determined by the language they speak (Barker and Galasiński, 2001). . There are very many languages and dialects spoken throughout the world and each of these languages has a unique accent, vocabulary, expressions and the criteria in which the symbols are combined to communicate and interpret meaning. For instance, the French speak the French language and this is what identifies them as French people (Biggam & Kay, 2006). The French accent and other mannerisms pertaining to how French is spoken in France distinguish the French from other people from the rest of the world who speak different languages. For many nations across the world it is language that gives them national identity. A perfect example is the Chinese people who derive their nationality from the Chinese language. Having a common language gives people a sense of belonging and togetherness. If two Chinese people met in a totally different part of the world away from China, it is easier for them to identify each other and bond since they share the same language. Different people use language differently. This difference is evident in their accent, choice of vocabulary and grammatical structures, tone and attitude in the language. For instance, the French have a unique romantic accent and their language is full of politeness and respect. In the French language, there is a different form of pronoun used when addressing an adult or someone respectable, different from that used when addressing young people (Risager, 2006). This contrasts with the Americans who use the pronoun “you” even when addressing their seniors. Also, in contrast to the Americans the French are often polite and less individualistic in their use of language as compared to the Americans. Language is not used in a vacuum but in diverse contextual and situational context( Foster-Cohen, 2009). . The manner in which the people use a given language may be different from that of a foreigner. It is worth noting that most ethnic communities are named and classified based on the languages they speak. This means that they derive their cultural identity from the language they speak. For instances, Jews are classified as Semites given that they speak one of the Semitic languages. In Nigeria, the Yoruba people speak the Yoruba language (one of the most common ethnic language in Nigeria).In most cases, a person identifies him/herself with regard to the language they speak (Williams, 2010). Apart from mere verbal usage of language, there are other non-verbal cues and mannerisms that emanate in the course of using language that identify. For instance, use gestures vary from one language group to another. These are just but a few of the tools that give people cultural identity. Language as a Vessel for Etching Norms and Values in our Minds Every culture has its own norms and values. The norms spell out the expected code of conduct in the course of interactions among the members of a group while values outline the virtues and accepted behavior patterns that a given group stands for. Existence of these norms and values is depended on language. Firstly, human beings use language to formulate norms and values and spell them out (via language) whenever an occasion rises. The main purpose of these values and norms is for social control (Williams, 2010). Without language these norms and values couldn’t exist and would not be consequently passed from one generation to the next. Language plays a significant role in ensuring that norms and values are etched in the minds of human beings. The process of etching of these norms and values begins from receiving symbols, interpreting them and then registering them in the mind( Yule ,2006).The norms and values are stored and internalized with the aid of language. It is language too that is employed in the process of storing, communicating the norms and values as well as handing them from one generation to the next. The essential purpose of language in this regard is to communicate what is supposed to be done or what not supposed to be uttered at all. Taboos and traditions too are encoded in language. One is not born knowing all the expected patterns of behavior in their community but rather picks the traditions, taboos, norms and values by means of language. It is also important to note that human beings’ behavior and minds are highly influenced by language. Intrinsic Expression of culture The other important role that language plays is that it helps express culture. As defined earlier, culture is the way of life of given people. It includes their religion, food, music and language itself. As a means of communication language provides an avenue through which people express culture. For instance, when worshipping people use language as the primary means of communicating with the supernatural deity (Biggam & Kay, 2006). Other means of communication such as symbols, like the cross and rosary, are used to worship. When people sing in church or recite the Quran in the mosque they do so by means use of a language. Worship is one way of manifesting one’s religion and this is where language plays a crucial role. Language is not only limited to the use of verbal expression but also other non-verbal cues and symbols. In dances, for example, body movements, dance patterns and dance movements can be used to communicate meaning or convey a message (Biggam & Kay, 2006). In addition to this, the costumes put on can symbolize different things and thus convey meaning. There is no doubt that without language it is impossible to express culture. This is because language offers an opportunity for intrinsic expression of language. When a community communicates its values ,customs, beliefs and traditions via language ,solidarity and the feeling of identity to a particular group is fostered .Further, in the process of conveying customs, values and virtues and expressing oneself culture is preserved. Language as an Agent of Change Culture is often susceptible to change given that it is dynamic in nature. Breivik and Jahr (1989) attribute hold the view that changes in culture provoke linguistic changes.Other times, language itself changes and thus provokes cultural changes. The 20th century witnessed tremendous technological advancement that saw emergence of new technologies and words for the various technologies. This change in language has been reflected in the manner in which people use language, the vocabularies and the expressions they use. On the other hand, use of the internet as a means of communication has made the world one global village. Diverse cultures are closing in to form one global culture. The unique cultural identity that people had is slowly fading away giving room for new. Thus, language being part and parcel of culture there is no doubt that any slight change in language reflects in culture. For instance with the advent of the internet and social media, people communicate with various people in the world (Biggam & Kay, 2006). The channel of communication is often one of the international languages. The unique way in which people communicate in their ethnic languages is getting lost and giving room to a uniform way of communication. Language and Cultural Transmission Transmitting of culture from one generation to the next is a key function of language. Some communities have succeeded in maintaining their traditions because of their language. To begin with, it is language that is used to communicate, record, disseminate norms, values, taboos and traditions of people. These traditions are then handed down from one generation to the next. For example, as children grow up, they are taught how to behave in different situations. They pick up these mannerisms, grow up knowing the expected code of behavior and when they become adults, they teach these mannerisms to their children. It thus becomes a cyclic process through which cultural heritage is handed down from one generation to the next. Nunan & Choi (2010) holds that in the process of cultural transmission languages aids in diverse manners. One, it the vehicle through which culture is transmitted. Norms, values and taboos are encoded in a language and then passed on from one person to the next. As noted earlier in this essay, language too plays part in keeping the norms and values taught in the mind. Lastly, in the process of transmission, it is language that is used for transmission. Other cultural aspects like history are transmitted in form of stories, sayings, riddles and other forms of oral literature. The latter largely uses language. Language and Social Interactions Human beings are social in nature. The driving force behind human actions and intentions is the need to enhance interpersonal relationships (Heatherton and Walcott, 2009).To foster these interpersonal relationships human beings use language as the primary medium of communication. In order for people to interact they must be able to communicate with each other. Effective communication takes place when there is exchange of information between the receiver and the sender (Nunan & Choi, 2010). For the latter to take place there is need for the sender to choose the symbols or signs that can be understood by the receiver of the message. The presence of language enables people to communicate with each other and consequently foster their social interactions. The social interactions are part and parcel of culture. If human beings in a particular community are interacting well then culture of those people is likely to grow. One, values and norms will be easily passed from one generation to the next. Secondly, culture will be learned by the children or be recorded for future use. Understanding of Culture A close study of culture reveals that it is embedded in language itself. All that constitutes language is formed and constructed by linguistic items. For instance, values, norms, taboos and traditions are constructed by use of language (Nunan & Choi, 2010). The same elements of culture are transmitted via language. Thus, to understand culture one needs sufficient knowledge of a language and how they can use that language to interpret various cultures. Culture Preservation There a thin line between culture transmission and preservation. While transmission entails passing of culture from one generation to the next, preservation means collecting important aspects of culture, recording them and safeguarding them for future use or reference. Language can be used to record a collected piece of culture like oral traditions, norms, taboos and traditions. Ancient traditions, for example about ancient kingdoms and chiefdoms, have been recorded by use of language and are now available across the world (Nunan & Choi, 2010). The same historical materials are accessible in the present world with the aid of language. Conclusion This essay has studied the idea of language. It begins by defining what language is and explained the relationship that exists between language and culture. Thereafter, the essay examines the importance of language in culture. The importance of language in culture includes; preservation of culture, transmission of culture, a tool for culture change, a tool for understanding culture itself. In addition, the paper examines how language is important in enhancing social interactions-core force in human actions and intentions. It also explains how significant language is in helping individuals create, interpret and etch norms and values in their minds. As outlined in the essay, the relationship between language and culture is symbiotic. Culture is made up of language as one of the key components. Language on the hand plays a crucial role in culture. References Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Biggam, C. P., & Kay, C. J. (2006). Language and culture. Philadelphia: J. Benjamins Pub. Barker, C., & Galasiński, D. (2001). Cultural studies and discourse analysis a dialogue on language and identity. London, SAGE. Breivik, L. E. and Jahr, E. H. (1989). Language change: contributions to the study of its causes. Berlin, Mouton de Gruyter. Foster-Cohen, S. H. (2009). Language acquisition. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire [England], Palgrave Macmillan. Heatherton, A. T. And Walcott, V. A. (2009). Handbook of social interactions in the 21st century. New York, Nova Science Publishers. Middleton, J. (2002). Culture. Oxford, U.K: Capstone Pub. Nunan, D., & Choi, J. (2010). Language and culture: Reflective narratives and the emergence of identity. New York: Routledge. Risager, K. (2006). Language and culture: Global flows and local complexity. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. Williams, G. (2010). The knowledge economy, language and culture. Buffalo, N.Y: Multilingual Matters. Yule, G. (2006). The study of language. Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University Press. Bottom of Form Read More

This contrasts with the Americans who use the pronoun “you” even when addressing their seniors. Also, in contrast to the Americans the French are often polite and less individualistic in their use of language as compared to the Americans. Language is not used in a vacuum but in diverse contextual and situational context( Foster-Cohen, 2009). . The manner in which the people use a given language may be different from that of a foreigner. It is worth noting that most ethnic communities are named and classified based on the languages they speak.

This means that they derive their cultural identity from the language they speak. For instances, Jews are classified as Semites given that they speak one of the Semitic languages. In Nigeria, the Yoruba people speak the Yoruba language (one of the most common ethnic language in Nigeria).In most cases, a person identifies him/herself with regard to the language they speak (Williams, 2010). Apart from mere verbal usage of language, there are other non-verbal cues and mannerisms that emanate in the course of using language that identify.

For instance, use gestures vary from one language group to another. These are just but a few of the tools that give people cultural identity. Language as a Vessel for Etching Norms and Values in our Minds Every culture has its own norms and values. The norms spell out the expected code of conduct in the course of interactions among the members of a group while values outline the virtues and accepted behavior patterns that a given group stands for. Existence of these norms and values is depended on language.

Firstly, human beings use language to formulate norms and values and spell them out (via language) whenever an occasion rises. The main purpose of these values and norms is for social control (Williams, 2010). Without language these norms and values couldn’t exist and would not be consequently passed from one generation to the next. Language plays a significant role in ensuring that norms and values are etched in the minds of human beings. The process of etching of these norms and values begins from receiving symbols, interpreting them and then registering them in the mind( Yule ,2006).

The norms and values are stored and internalized with the aid of language. It is language too that is employed in the process of storing, communicating the norms and values as well as handing them from one generation to the next. The essential purpose of language in this regard is to communicate what is supposed to be done or what not supposed to be uttered at all. Taboos and traditions too are encoded in language. One is not born knowing all the expected patterns of behavior in their community but rather picks the traditions, taboos, norms and values by means of language.

It is also important to note that human beings’ behavior and minds are highly influenced by language. Intrinsic Expression of culture The other important role that language plays is that it helps express culture. As defined earlier, culture is the way of life of given people. It includes their religion, food, music and language itself. As a means of communication language provides an avenue through which people express culture. For instance, when worshipping people use language as the primary means of communicating with the supernatural deity (Biggam & Kay, 2006).

Other means of communication such as symbols, like the cross and rosary, are used to worship. When people sing in church or recite the Quran in the mosque they do so by means use of a language. Worship is one way of manifesting one’s religion and this is where language plays a crucial role. Language is not only limited to the use of verbal expression but also other non-verbal cues and symbols. In dances, for example, body movements, dance patterns and dance movements can be used to communicate meaning or convey a message (Biggam & Kay, 2006).

In addition to this, the costumes put on can symbolize different things and thus convey meaning.

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