EQ3: How does language affect culture?*

Bell Ringer: 1. List at least three words that are in use today that did not exist ten years ago. –What does this tell you about today’s society? –How does language affect your culture? –How does your culture affect your language?

Language Defined: A set of symbols and sounds that expresses ideas and allows people to think and communicate with each other. A set of symbols and sounds that expresses ideas and allows people to think and communicate with each other.

Official language: one that is used by government for conducting business and publishing documents Official language: one that is used by government for conducting business and publishing documents Literary tradition: a system of written communication Literary tradition: a system of written communication

Methods of Communication Verbal Verbal –Words –Voice Nonverbal Nonverbal –Gestures –Postures –Facial Expressions –Eye Contact –Personal Appearance –Touch –Space

Patterns in Cultural Differences in Communication 1. Communication Style 2. Attitudes toward conflict 3. Decision making process 4. Approaches to learning

Role of Language and Culture Language is an important way to transmit culture. Language is an important way to transmit culture. Through language children learn Through language children learn about their cultural identity. about their cultural identity.

Proverbs are one example of how culture is conveyed through words. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” “The early bird gets the worm.” “The early bird gets the worm.” What do these proverbs say about American culture?

What do these proverbs mean? In your notebooks, you will read over the proverbs and jot down: Explanation of proverb Explanation of proverb What does it tell us about the culture? What does it tell us about the culture?

African Proverb “Abafugibwa ngabo: atannagikwatamu ye agitenda obwangu.” “Abafugibwa ngabo: atannagikwatamu ye agitenda obwangu.” “Those who are ruled are like the shield: who never got hold of it, thinks it light. Those who don't rule think ruling is easy.” “Those who are ruled are like the shield: who never got hold of it, thinks it light. Those who don't rule think ruling is easy.”

Maori Proverb “E moa i tangata ringa raupa.” “E moa i tangata ringa raupa.” “Marry a man with blistered hands.” “Marry a man with blistered hands.”

Mexican Proverb “Anda tu camino sin ayuda de vecino.” “Anda tu camino sin ayuda de vecino.” “Walk your own road without the help of a neighbor.” “Walk your own road without the help of a neighbor.”

BR: How can language change over time? Evolution of Language

How can language change over time? Globalization: “Spanglish”, “Ebonics” Globalization: “Spanglish”, “Ebonics” Geography: When speakers are isolated from place of origin Geography: When speakers are isolated from place of origin History: Conquered nations absorb dominant language History: Conquered nations absorb dominant language Technology: TV, Internet, pop culture Technology: TV, Internet, pop culture –Exception to the rule: Words that are used more often in everyday language evolve slowly (like numbers)

Even within one language, confusion is common. How many interpretations can you think of for these sentences? How many interpretations can you think of for these sentences? “There’s a fork in the road.” “There’s a fork in the road.” “He shot his mouth off.” “He shot his mouth off.” “Ham sandwich” ?????? “Ham sandwich” ??????

Language can also be a source of discrimination. Language and Gender: Language and Gender: The use of the word “man” in words like chairman and mankind. Use of the pronouns “he” and “she” affects thinking about gender. For example, nurses and secretaries are usually referred to as “she.”

Language can also be an expression of racial and ethnic discrimination. Some words have more than one meaning and create negative images, such as “blackhearted” or “a black mark on your record.” Some words have more than one meaning and create negative images, such as “blackhearted” or “a black mark on your record.” Negative words can also become associated with groups, such as referring to Native Americans as “savages.” Negative words can also become associated with groups, such as referring to Native Americans as “savages.”

How important is it for members of one country to speak the same language? How should a society balance respect for individual cultures and a need for unity? How should a society balance respect for individual cultures and a need for unity?

Language, Race & Ethnicity The percentage of Americans who do not speak English at home has continued to increase over time. The percentage of Americans who do not speak English at home has continued to increase over time.

To Summarize: Language is a set of symbols, which allows people to communicate with each other (both verbal and nonverbal) Language is a set of symbols, which allows people to communicate with each other (both verbal and nonverbal) Language can be a source of discrimination. Language can be a source of discrimination. Language is a common source of confusion, even among members of the same culture. Language is a common source of confusion, even among members of the same culture. Language is a vital means of transmitting culture. Language is a vital means of transmitting culture.

Exit Slip 1. What are some examples of methods of communication? Name two verbal and two nonverbal examples. 2. How can language change over time? 3. What is the role of language within a culture?