Language as a Form of Expressing Culture - Term Paper Example

Language and its Importance to Culture Name Institution of Affiliation Introduction Language is crucial in life and inseparable to culture. Human beings are born with a faculty of language in the brain and that is why children are able to learn any language (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). Language helps humans in expressing culture and it is a people’s identity. Culture, on the other hand, relates to the values or norms of a particular people. Language is a unique gift that humans are given to help in daily communication activities. Language, with the help of culture, makes humans own an identity that is different from primates. Language and culture are learnt co-currently. Social interactions exist because of language where ideas and experiences are exchanged and shared. Learning a foreign language means learning the culture of the native speakers of that language. This paper seeks to examine language and its importance to language. Language According to Hall (2012), human beings use language as a medium of communication and on a daily basis. Through language, people express their feelings, ideas, and emotions. Language can be verbal or non-verbal. Language is important even if used for fun, for career purposes or even for the purposes of travel. Language shows an understanding of cultures and different lives of other people. Language helps people connect with others and share experiences. Salzmann, Stanlaw & Adachi (2012) holds that building friendships is made easier with the use of language. Cultures are learnt through language and social relations are made better. It gives a social identity. The right values are inculcated in children through language. With the world becoming a global village, language has been the main tool that has forged friendships and people learnt about the different cultures of the people online. English, for example, is an important language that most people use in daily interactions (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). Despite the English language being a global language, it has different cultures for different parts of the world where English is used. Understanding these different cultures within a language broadens the perspective of people. Language is used in business to trade with other countries. For example, establishing links with foreign countries has been made possible with the use of language (Allsopp, Rickford & University of the West Indies, 2012). This shows that the trading countries have confidence in each other because they speak the same language and they communicate effectively. Business people find it easier to advance economic relations with people they communicate well with. The knowledge of a foreign language has been desirable by employees seeking graduates to work in their organisations. (Jaatinen, 2007) posits that having language skills makes a person highly marketable both at home and in the international markets. Language creates friendships in the social circles. Language makes people aware of other people’s needs and how to interact with them. Without language people would not have social lives at all (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009).Social media, in the last few years it has been around, has enabled the world to connect in an amazing way. A person in Europe or America can freely communicate with a person in Africa. Language is the tool that makes that communication possible. Language and Culture Language and culture go hand in hand. Understanding a language means understanding the culture too. The meaning of a certain discourse is created and interpreted within the framework of the culture in which the language is used. Language and culture affect communication and how a message is received (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). Cultures are unique to different speakers of language. Learning the culture and language of a people is important in understanding what is acceptable or not acceptable in their culture. Some words do not see the light of day in some cultures and some are non-existent in their vocabulary. It is important for a person to know and choose word wisely while communicating with people from a different culture. Equally, there are words some language that cannot be translated because of their cultural limitations. Language is important, in this case, due to its diversity. Care should be taken whenever a person is trying to translate words of one language to another language to avoid misunderstandings (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). Language is important in preserving culture. Language and culture depend on one another. Without language, values will not be passed from generation to another and the customs of a people and their beliefs will not be known by the next generation. Culture will die and the language will die too. People migrate from ancestral land and settle in towns where it is likely for languages to die. Multilingual societies are the best place to strive to maintain culture and language (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). Appreciating other cultures is a way of preserving a people’s culture mostly through sharing and interacting with people from a different culture. This enables people to preserve their heritage and identity. It is important to be proud of their language and keep it alive for the sake of the next generation. Language is important to culture through the vocabulary that a culture uses. The research done by Everett (2012) argues that there are many words that cannot be translated because they are non-existent in another language. An example is “fast food” in some cultures where it is normal and popular to use, but, not acceptable in other cultures. Unless a person understands the culture of particular people, it will be impossible to communicate. Therefore, it is important to understand the language and culture of people in order for effective communication to take place and avoid misunderstandings. Language and culture, in another way, is important because speakers get the chance to understand and interpret communication while interacting with friends (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). In this case, they function as observers and participants while communicating. As they communicate with friends, they interpret ideas, emotions and experiences. Language helps people interpret their own meanings and the meanings of others as they share experiences. This makes people appreciate their cultures and the cultures of the people they interact with. Biggam& Kay (2006) agree that people learn different cultures around the world and understand why people of a particular culture and language do things the way they do by appreciating them. Language and culture are important aspects of human beings as they interact in the global sphere. Lambek, (2010) insists thatlanguage and culture makes people responsible in the way they interact and communicate with other people. Understanding people’s values and beliefs is important for effective and meaningful communication to take place. People interact using language and it should help in being sensitive to other people’s cultural sensitivity to avoid offending them because, there is a way they use certain words in their language (Everett, 2012). Some words could be taboo in their culture and in understanding the particular culture maintains the standards of that culture and their language. Culture, in other ways, is how people view the world. This is influenced by the language they use. Language speakers have specific words for specific events or things while others have numerous other words to explain the same event or thing (Allsopp, Rickford & University of the West Indies, 2012).This scenario is played out in a situation where values in some cultures are taught verbally while in some cultures these same values are taught using gestures. Language is important to culture because, in an economic society, traders are more comfortable doing business with a person with whom they share a similar language and culture (Erreygers & Jacobs, 2005). Intermediaries or middlemen are not needed to complete the transaction because of a common culture. It is easier for traders who speak the same language to negotiate and close a business deal without the need of an interpreter. This enhances trust between the traders because of the same expectations. Trade can also occur between people of different cultures. Misunderstandings, in this case, can be avoided by getting a person who understands both cultures well enough not to mislead the traders. Language is important to culture since it helps a person appreciate the way different people speak. Some use jargon, others speak slowly, others fast and direct. The more a person spends time with such a person, that person’s characteristics helps in the realization of their own speech. Understanding this makes it easier for communication to be successful (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). Language is important to culture because it assists people in establishing strong relationships. A person in a foreign country knows this too well. In order to survive in the foreign country relationships have to be built with the citizens of that country. To be accepted and trusted in a foreign country, a person needs to learn the language and culture of that country for a better reception in that country. The person is at the mercy of the natives of that country and trust is needed. The quality of the relationships will increase the chances of being trusted. Language is, therefore, the stepping stone to understanding the culture of a people. Language Influencing Culture Language is important in influencing culture. Societies strive to change language to make it fit the cultural expectations and ethical values. In the past, the use of “third world country” was considered insulting and it was changed to “developing country”, chairman was replaced with chairperson in a move to make women comfortable while assuring them that they can also chair meetings (Lee, 2006). In Africa, language has been used to influence the culture of the Africans. Using language and ethical identity has reduced widespread female genital mutilation in some African communities. The communities are comfortable working with the use of the word “cutting” as opposed to the harsh word “mutilation”. In this case the use of language has helped the African communities change their culture. Children rights activities have had a successful rate in the drop of such practices in Africa because of the choice of language. The use of active voice in English encourages blame and according to the English culture it is normal. On one hand, an English speaker may say “Peter dropped the cup,” while a Spanish speaker will say “the cup was dropped”. Learning to use language in different cultures may eliminate such misunderstandings with other cultures (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). In this case, the language of blame will have been changed by the use of more appropriate language as considered by the speakers. Cultural Identity and Globalization Globalization has been branded a killer of culture and has tried hard to influence cultures in many ways (Everett, 2012). Before globalization, the cultures were well- defined within different communities (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). This identity that people had was a treasure that could not be lost. It was an inheritance from a past generation that could be passed from the present generation to the next and the next after that one. It was a fragile treasure that was worth preserving. Unfortunately, the cultures that are worst hit by the wave of globalization are those of the developing countries. Language has not been spared by globalization, since, it controls culture. The developing world depends mostly on the developed world for economic power and in the process, their culture is vulnerable. The risk of cultural identity is everywhere, however, the developing world is more at risk of losing their identity. As the developed world manipulates the business culture of the developing world, it affects the language as well. The original language culture is slowly disappearing and letting global culture thrive. On the contrary, cultural identity cannot be easily lost through globalization because, it is a way of social life and the national identity of a people. Loosing cultural identity is a choice that people make. Remaining steadfast in the values upheld by a particular society is a strong attribute to maintaining cultural identity. Language as a tool of expressing culture should be used to maintain the society’s cultural identity (Lee, 2006). Social Interactions and Language Social interactions are complete with language. In any social gathering such as a football match or a party, language has to be used to complete the communication cycle. The way people communicate in a social gathering is influenced by their language culture (Salzmann, Stanlaw & Adachi, 2012). The use of polite words is common in a social gathering. Even with people from different cultures, interactions are made complete with the use of language. Here, they share about the different cultures and appreciate them in the process (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). Language is important in anything that takes place in the society. Through language, requests are made, questions are asked, jokes are cracked and emotions expressed. Different aspects of life such as political, educational, legal and economic institutions form part of societal interactions that are made possible by language (Salzmann, Stanlaw, & Adachi (2012). In these institutions, activities take place and these are conducted through language use. Language is of great importance in social interactions to help people perform tasks that may be questioned or described by others. Humans are not islands, and therefore, need each other in daily interactions through language. Human activities involve the use language. Political leaders use language woos voters during elections, business organizations use language to market their goods and services and educational institutions use language as a medium of instruction in schools. Conclusion Language is not just a communicative tool, but also a form of expressing culture. Language has made it possible for people to interact and build strong and lasting relationships. Sharing information about different cultures has made people appreciate cultural diversity more. The importance of language to culture has made foreign trade to flourish in many countries because of the understanding of the culture and language of the target market. People are more aware of cultural boundaries and what is right and wrong in a particular culture. Culture has helped in ensuring that people are responsible with the language in use and how best to utilise it to achieve certain goals. Language is also a tool that is used to preserve the culture of people in society. Cultural taboos have been changed and accepted by communities through the use of appropriate language. Globalization has been widely accused of destroying culture, however, it does not control culture. It is people who choose to lose the culture and adopt a globalized one. Cultural identity is a way of life of people and it is hard to for it to be influenced by globalization. Social interactions are made possible language use where ideas and experiences are shared. References Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Allsopp, J., Rickford, J. R., & University of the West Indies (Cave Hill, Barbados). (2012). Language, culture and Caribbean identity. Kingston, Jamaica: Canoe Press. Biggam, C. P., & Kay, C. J. (2006). Language and culture. Philadelphia: J. Benjamins Pub. Erreygers, G., & Jacobs, G. (2005). Language, communication and the economy. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Pub. Everett, D. L. (2012). Language: The cultural tool. New York: Pantheon Books. Hall, J. K. (2012). Teaching and researching language and culture. Harlow, England: Longman. Jaatinen, R. (2007). Learning languages, learning life skills: Autobiographical reflexive approach to teaching and learning a foreign language. New York: Springer. Lambek, M. (2010). Ordinary ethics: Anthropology, language, and action. New York: Fordham University Press. Bottom of Form Lee, R. (2006). Globalization, language, and culture. Philadelphia: Chelsea House. Salzmann, Z., Stanlaw, J., & Adachi, N. (2012). Language, culture, and society: An introduction to linguistic anthropology. Boulder, CO: Westview Press. Senft, G., Östman, J.-O., & Verschueren, J. (2009). Culture and language use. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Pub. Co. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More

Language and Culture Language and culture go hand in hand. Understanding a language means understanding the culture too. The meaning of a certain discourse is created and interpreted within the framework of the culture in which the language is used. Language and culture affect communication and how a message is received (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009). Cultures are unique to different speakers of language. Learning the culture and language of a people is important in understanding what is acceptable or not acceptable in their culture.

Some words do not see the light of day in some cultures and some are non-existent in their vocabulary. It is important for a person to know and choose word wisely while communicating with people from a different culture. Equally, there are words some language that cannot be translated because of their cultural limitations. Language is important, in this case, due to its diversity. Care should be taken whenever a person is trying to translate words of one language to another language to avoid misunderstandings (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009).

Language is important in preserving culture. Language and culture depend on one another. Without language, values will not be passed from generation to another and the customs of a people and their beliefs will not be known by the next generation. Culture will die and the language will die too. People migrate from ancestral land and settle in towns where it is likely for languages to die. Multilingual societies are the best place to strive to maintain culture and language (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009).

Appreciating other cultures is a way of preserving a people’s culture mostly through sharing and interacting with people from a different culture. This enables people to preserve their heritage and identity. It is important to be proud of their language and keep it alive for the sake of the next generation. Language is important to culture through the vocabulary that a culture uses. The research done by Everett (2012) argues that there are many words that cannot be translated because they are non-existent in another language.

An example is “fast food” in some cultures where it is normal and popular to use, but, not acceptable in other cultures. Unless a person understands the culture of particular people, it will be impossible to communicate. Therefore, it is important to understand the language and culture of people in order for effective communication to take place and avoid misunderstandings. Language and culture, in another way, is important because speakers get the chance to understand and interpret communication while interacting with friends (Senft, Östman & Verschueren, 2009).

In this case, they function as observers and participants while communicating. As they communicate with friends, they interpret ideas, emotions and experiences. Language helps people interpret their own meanings and the meanings of others as they share experiences. This makes people appreciate their cultures and the cultures of the people they interact with. Biggam& Kay (2006) agree that people learn different cultures around the world and understand why people of a particular culture and language do things the way they do by appreciating them.

Language and culture are important aspects of human beings as they interact in the global sphere. Lambek, (2010) insists thatlanguage and culture makes people responsible in the way they interact and communicate with other people. Understanding people’s values and beliefs is important for effective and meaningful communication to take place. People interact using language and it should help in being sensitive to other people’s cultural sensitivity to avoid offending them because, there is a way they use certain words in their language (Everett, 2012).

Some words could be taboo in their culture and in understanding the particular culture maintains the standards of that culture and their language. Culture, in other ways, is how people view the world.

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