The Relationship Between Language and Culture

 

I.         The purpose of this essay is to discuss the similarities and differences between language and culture. Although the two work together, they must be defined separately to decipher their unique differences. Language is defined as a system of conventional spoken, manual(signed), or written symbols by means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture express themselves. Culture is defined as a collection of common values, experiences, and customs, utilized by a society to understand the world around them. Both relate to social contexts but differ in expression.

II.        First, both terms, language and culture relate to an individual’s place in a social group.

Cultural practices are represented by language in social contexts. The visibility of culture is more evident in art, food, and fashion. However, language and culture differ in expression. Language consists of speech-sounds combined into words. People use language as the mediator to linguistically express themselves during social interaction. According to Kavakli (2020) “First of all, let us agree on the definition of culture since both terms, language and culture, do refer to one’s place in a social group, or their relation with that group” (p.4).   

III.      Second, both language and culture are communicated cross-culturally. Even though we use words to communicate, language is affected by what we see, hear, and experience. The integration of historical issues in curriculum develops an understanding of sensitive truths.

In contrast, teachers teach culture as language, and not language as culture. Although they are taught simultaneously, teachers are required to adhere to specific standards and grammar mechanisms. Culture is added to enrich the language learning environment and language serves as the mediator. According to Kavakli (2020) “Language is not solely a means of communication, albeit a cumulation of socially embedded practices; thus, words live socially

responsible lives” (p.4).

IV.       Third, both language and culture consist of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Initially, English was perceived as a method of communication not bound to culturally-specific applications, but transmissible to any cultural setting. Further research revealed how important culture was to language learning. Culture is now the fifth skill enhancing those four basic language skills. In contrast to language skills, sensitivity and empathy are taught as culture and not language. Students benefit by learning about one’s culture along with specific language skills to increase their cultural awareness. According to Kavakli (2020) “At any rate, teaching culture while teaching the target language aims to develop language learners’ cross-cultural awareness” (p.9).

V.        In conclusion, language is social by nature. Therefore, the language we use is influenced by social contexts. It is necessary to include culture in the learning environment to enhance the understanding of language. Culture awareness helps to avoid stereotypes. There is also increased sensitivity and empathy to real historical issues. Therefore, language and culture are not taught as two separate units but as effective communication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Kavakli, N. (2020, October). (PDF) The Relationship Between Language and Culture, and Its Implications for EFL Teaching. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344885002_The_Relationship_Between_Language_and_Culture_and_Its_Implications_for_EFL_Teaching

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