Language, Culture & Society Overview

Language, Culture & Society

• Language: A system of vocal symbols for human communication.
• Culture: Shared perspectives, values, beliefs, and experiences (way of life).
• Society: A group of people living together with structure.
• Dialect: A unique language variety specific to a group or region.
• Sociolinguistics: The study of the interrelation between language and society.
• Code-switching: Using two or more dialects/languages in a conversation.
• Language Acquisition: The process of learning a language (first or second).
• Bilingualism: The ability to speak and understand two languages.
• Anthropology: The scientific study of human culture and societies.
• Cultural Relativism: The belief that cultural practices should be evaluated within their own cultural context.
• Cultural Appropriation: Taking aspects of one culture by another without proper recognition or respect.
• Artifacts: Objects created by a particular culture often possessing cultural significance.
• Ideology: Fundamental principles and morals supporting political/social systems.
• Ethnocentrism: Evaluating other cultures based on one's own culture's norms.
• Xenocentrism: Preference for the cultural practices of other cultures.
• Social Stratification: System of authority and status levels in a society.
• Social Mobility: The ability to move between social levels.
• Social Cohesion: The extent to which individuals feel connectedness in a society.
• Native Language: The first language learned.
• Second language (L2): Any language learned after the native language.

Theories in Language and Culture

• Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Language shapes thoughts and perception.
• Linguistic relativity: Language influences how people experience and perceive the world.
• Ethnopoetics: Analyzing and recording oral poetry/narratives to preserve their formal and functional elements.
• Cultural Capital: Knowledge, skills, and practices used to navigate social context and are unequally distributed.
• Impression management: Strategies people use to create a particular impression on others.
• Nonverbal communication: Significant in understanding social interactions.

Language Learning Environments

• Classroom-based: Traditional classrooms.
• Language Labs: Equipped with audio-visual aids.
• Online-based: Courses available online.
• Immersive: Exposed to the language in its natural context.
• Study Abroad: Learning a language in a country where it is spoken.
• Home-based: Using language software/tutors.
• Social Media: Using platforms for learning/interaction.
• Language Exchange Groups: Informal gatherings to practice language.
• Community-based: Community events/volunteering to learn language.

Language and Culture: Key Concepts

• Language Barriers: Understanding different languages is important.
• Cultural Differences: Awareness of cultural variations in communication.
• Resources: Availability of learning materials, teachers, and technology.
• Classroom Management: Working with diverse language learners effectively.
• Student Motivation: Promoting engagement in learning.
• Parental Involvement: Family support is crucial for language development.
• Standardized Testing: Emphasis on rote-learning rather than deeper understanding.
• Pedagogical Trends: Adapting to the latest learning theories/methods.
• Professional Development: Continuously building skills to meet students' needs.

Mock Test - Language and Culture (Multiple Choice)

• Question 1: Identifying a language learned to supplement the native language within the same country.
• Question 2 (Theories): Defining the theory that suggests language is a tool for social action.
• Question 3: Defining the concept that language influences the perception of the world.
• Question 4 (Example): Identifying an example of instrumental language function.