chapter4languageandculture.pptVIP

Chapter 4 Language and CultureBY JennyZhu 09407010234 4.1 Relationship between language and culture Generally, the relation of L to C is that of part to whole, for L is part of C. The knowledge and beliefs that constitute a people’s culture are habitually encoded and transmitted in L. Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis 萨丕尔－沃尔夫假说 Edward Sapir (1884 - 1939) and Benjamin Lee Whorf (1897-1941) Our language helps mould our way of thinking and, consequently, different languages may probably express speakers’ unique ways of understanding the world. Linguistic determinism: L may determine our thinking patterns. Linguistic relativity: different languages offer people different ways of expressing the world around. 4.2 Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis (p146-149) Eg. The Eskimos have countless words for snow In Arabic, the camel plays significant roles in people’s life, so there are more than 40 words for “camel”. Nothing is more important than rice to the Chinese, so we have expressions like “人是铁，饭是钢” and “铁饭碗”. 4.2.1 Language as a Reflection of the Environment The environment influences the appropriate vocabulary. Language reflects the environment in which we live. E.g. In the Amazon area snow is not a part of the environment; therefore, people in that region do not have a word for snow. Most Americans use terms such as snow, powder snow, sleet, slush, blizzard, and ice. 4.2.2 Language as a Reflection of Values Language reflects cultural values. Eg. Time does not play a role in Navajo life. As a result, the Navajo do not have the differentiated vocabulary connected with time and clocks. One of the problems in dealing with people from other cultures is that we translate concepts from a foreign language and culture with words that fit our expectations. Eg. For Americans “tomorrow” means midnight to midnight, a very precise time period. To Mexicans, in contrast, ma?ana means in the future, soon. 4.3 Cultural Impact on Language at Var