Language and Culture

                                                    

Language and Culture

Throughout history, language is deeply intertwined with culture and interacts with it, creating a mosaic of artistic, linguistic and cultural expression. Even before culture appeared, language had a social function, and  was there enabling people to communicate speech, values, beliefs, customs, and therefore have an exchange. Language is only a part of the culture, while culture is a complex structure containing a variety of features that cover and extend all human creative activities. Apart from being an instrument of communication, language displays a human social identity and a cultural element that shapes the basic characteristics of religion, race, descent, origin and ethnic background. 

Humans are the only species who have developed a system of cognitive language communication, and this is why it is so important in cultures to see how they have evolved through mutual contact, communication and interaction.   “A language is not just words. It's a culture, a tradition, a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is. It's all embodied in a language.” - Noam Chomsky Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly evident that in a globalised world those two aspects of human endeavour are taking an important role in shaping the modern world community. The world is rapidly changing through the mass media and social media and both are offering us new innovative ways of communication whereby language plays a pivotal road, thus forming a new advanced culture. In this sense, we see the complementary element that connects those two sides: language and culture is an inseparable duet.

The relationship between culture, language, as well as literature cannot be emphasised enough. Culture is manifested in every aspect of human endeavour expressed through the performing arts, theatre, music, literature etc. whereby language is modus vivendi and a driving force. ❝Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.❞ Rita Mae Brown Therefore, learning another language is a great way to grasp a broader aspect of a certain culture, and an amazing enrichment. According to linguistics experts, language is a cultural,  social phenomenon, and psychological experience. You can better understand people’s culture, customs and behaviour; if you have studied and learned their language. In this respect, people who have learned a foreign language in the country where this language is spoken, do benefit double, because they get to know the language, native people, and their culture, customs, mentality and habits, and in this way learning is becoming an educational and cultural event.”Absolutely nothing is so important for a nation's culture as its language.” Wilhelm von Humboldt 

Our world today is becoming increasingly inter-cultural and multilingual, and this is the result of globalisation that is now occurring. All cultures are open to intermingle with other cultures, and create a broader culture. Many students choose to continue their studies in a foreign country and in many cases stay there and integrate with their new culture. The same is true with tourism which opens new dimensions in human relationships and connects people from different languages and cultures. Another example is gastronomy and international cuisine. Nowadays, chefs  choose to expand the variety of tastes through integration and innovation. This allows them to create new recipes and tastes, opening a new territory in this field.  “I also believe that food can unite people from all walks of life and cultures. When we sit together and eat, we promote better understanding and harmony. Food brings love, peace and compassion to the table.”— Chef Wan

Furthermore, language and culture can contribute to creating a better world, a more harmonious and peaceful world. The knowledge of another language breaks down the barriers that separate people and countries and creates bridges that connect people, enabling them to freely communicate among each other and become friends. The acquisition of a language broadens one’s horizon and becomes a precious skill which is an asset for professional achievements and a    successful career. Children born in families with parents coming from different cultures and speaking different languages are becoming multicultural and multilingual which is a huge advantage and enrichment which contributes to uniting our cultures. Conflicts can also be resolved, if we care more for intercultural communication and dialogue, thus promoting better relationships among different cultures through exchange and negotiations. Respect for other cultures is very important and that also includes different religions and faiths. They might be alien to us, but it is imperative to be tolerant and open-minded, and above all accept diversity. “Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity” by Robert Alan.

Finally, we are destined to create a better world whereby language and culture have a definitive role to play.We need to work together and deconstruct any prejudice and bias in our society and accept diversity i.e. different languages and cultures by being tolerant and open-minded. Far from generating conflicts, we can transcend our differences and resolve issues through dialogue and mutual acceptance. International commerce, business and entrepreneurship shows us that we depend on each other and that we can mutually benefit if we are ready to apply norms, principles and values in the way we handle.