language and culture英语论文
语言与文化 论文(英文)
The Relation between Language and Culture Abstract: Different countries have different cultures, and also different language. Language and culture are interdependent and interactional. Language is one of the most important carriers of culture. On the other hand, culture have a great impact on language, that is culture conditioning. Knowing the language and cultural backgrounds can help our communication. Instead, it will cause many communicative barriers. In this paper, we summarize the relationship between language and culture. And example to explain it’s impact on cross-culture communication.摘要：不同的国家有不同的语言和文化，语言和文化是相互依赖、相互影响的，语言是文化的重要载体，另一方面，文化对语言也有制约作用。
了解语言文化知识有助于我们的交际。
相反地，缺乏语言文化背景知识必然会导致交际障碍。
本文列举了语言与文化的关系，并举例说明了这种关系对跨文化交际的影响。
key words: language, cultures, relationship, communication关键词：语言，文化，关系，交际1. IntroductionAs we all know that different countries have different cultures, and also different language. Language and culture are interdependent and interactional. Language is one of the most important carriers of culture. On the other hand, culture have a great impact on language, that is culture conditioning.Language plays a very important role in all human activity. It’s one of the indispensable part of the social life of human. You can not imagine the world would be without language. Nevertheless, the phenomenon of human language is so mystical that people do not acquaint it entirely so far.Culture is the product of social life and national spirit. In other words, culture is the genetic code of difference among the various nation, country and region. Every country has its own culture formation and individuality. This special culture is one of the most important source of affinity and cohesion of a country. For this reason, we must protect and develop the culture of the various nation, country and region, keep variety of our global culture.2. Relationship between language and cultureRelationship between language and culture can be summarized as the following: (1). Language is part of culture. Like other cultural phenomenon, language is also a social phenomenon, it occurred with the production of society, and develops with the development of society. The language is with nationality, different nationalities often have different languages; Language is also human creation. It is the most important spiritual wealth of human society .We can say that language has all the attributes of culture, so language is also a kind of culture, one of the many cultural phenomenons. The human language is not only an integral part of culture, and also the most important part.(2).Language is the main carrier of culture. Although language is part of culture, other cultural phenomenon generally can't exist being independent from language. Only through language, culture can be preserved, extended and spread.(3).Language is the foundation of the development of culture. When we said the cultural development, it's pointing to the development on the original basis which is preserved and spread by language. The development of culture cannot do without thinking, and thinking activity cannot do without the language: the development of culture must rely on the collective of creation of social members. Only by using language which is a good communication tool, can social members communicate and achieve mutual understanding. Different culture should learn from each other through language. Above all, culture must use language as tools to develop. So, the language is the foundation of the development of culture.Above all, we can conclude that language and culture not only in close relationship, but also the special relationship.3. Culture and language in the language communicationBecause language is part of culture, also the carrier of culture and foundation of cultural development, it can reflect the characteristics of national culture and the cultural differences between different nationalities to a maximum extent. From different nationalities' languages, we can find the evidences of different nationality's values, is or not standard, customs, and religious beliefs, social system, and so on. These cultural factors have restriction on language and language communication. But his own people are not always easy to detect that. Only through the comparison of the different nationality's language and language communication, it can be revealed. The so-called "language communication culture", is a special cultural factor implied in the language system which reflects a nation's mental state, values, life style, moral standards, non standard, aesthetic taste, and the customs and habits etc .This cultural factors mainly reflects in the words system , grammar system and pragmatic system of language.We will illustrate some examples of culture in the language communication through comparison between China and Western Countries.3.1 greetingDue to the differences between Chinese and western culture tradition and customs, the way of greeting is, of course, not the same. Because China is a long period of farming community, there’s lot of ‘food’ in t he daily expression. When people meet with each other, they will say ‘have you eaten? ’ for greeting. This way of greeting is just the same as ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ in western country. In China, it is a common way to say ‘hello’, but the western people don’t thi nk so. They may think this greeting seems to be saying: ‘I have nothing to eat. Come on. Let’s go to eat something.’ Or ‘ I was going to ask you to go to my house for a dinner.’ All in all, this means that say ‘hello’ invitation to dinner sometimes. Anothe r way of greeting in china is ‘where are you going?’ or ‘where have you been?’. In china, this greeting is just polite formula. But if you use these sentences to greet to western people, they will feel unhappy. Their reaction is likely to be: it’s none of your business! Western people always talk about the weather when they meet. Such as’ the weather is fine. They respect the privacy of others, and will not ask others privacy issues.In short, when people make a greeting, they should pay attention on different cultures. They should consider the time, place, object, cultural background, social customs andother factors. The use of appropriate greetings can make communication more smooth and natural.3.2 farewellsBetween the social and cultural customs between china and western country are different, the farewells are different, too. For instance, Chinese people go to other people’s homes. When it is the time to say goodbye, they often say: I’d better be going now. You must be very tired or you will have to go to work tomorrow, I should go now. But the American people, by contrast, most of them will find out their reasons to say good-bye. For example, I must say good-bye, my wife is waiting for me or I think I’d better to leave now. Chinese people are always more politely, while westerners are always somewhat straightforward.3.3 taboosIn cross-cultural communication, taboo is the most sensitive topic. Cultural taboos research therefore becomes an important content of cross-cultural communication. The so-ca lled taboos are the words that people can’t say in daily life or their work. Taboo is almost everywhere, from daily life to the political and economic aspects. We here just talk some about common taboos. In the conversation, western people are unwilling to say their age, income, marriage, love, property, fat, and so on. But in china, it is very normal to talk about marriage, income, love, age and so on. In addition, western people should not talk loud in public places, they always speak in quiet. But Chinese people always talk loud in public places. There are lot of this kind of taboos, taboos language reflects different countries’ culture.4. ConclusionIn short, language is one of the most important carriers of culture and culture has a great impact on language in conditioning. They both cannot survive with each other. On the other hand, the difference of language and culture may arouse inconvenience and misunderstanding. Therefore, learning the difference of cultures between different countries is very important. Realizing the difference of cultures between different nations is good for us to communicate with different languages.（1312words）5 bibliography[1]胡文仲著.英美文化辞典.北京：外语教学与研究出版社，1995[2]邓炎昌,刘润清著.语言与文化.北京：外语教学与研究出版社，1989[3]贾玉新著.跨文化交际学.上海：上海外语教育出版社，1997[4]论文化语言学中的语言与文化[J].中国学术期刊网。
跨文化沟通与交流,语言和文化英语作文
跨文化沟通与交流,语言和文化英语作文全文共3篇示例，供读者参考篇1Cross-Cultural Communication and Exchange: Language and CultureIntroductionIn today's globalized world, communication with people from different cultural backgrounds has become increasingly important. As the world becomes more interconnected, the ability to effectively communicate across cultures is essential for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering understanding. One of the key aspects of cross-cultural communication is the role of language and culture in shaping how people interact with one another.Language as a Tool for CommunicationLanguage is a fundamental aspect of culture and plays a crucial role in communication. Language not only serves as a means of expressing thoughts and ideas but also reflects the values, beliefs, and traditions of a particular culture. When individuals from different cultures come together, they oftenface challenges in understanding one another due to differences in language. These differences may manifest in various forms, such as differences in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and even nonverbal communication cues.For example, in some cultures, direct communication is valued, while in others, indirect communication is preferred. This can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations if individuals are not aware of cultural differences in communication styles. Additionally, the use of idioms, slang, and cultural references can further complicate communication between people from different cultural backgrounds.Cultural Differences and Communication StylesCultural differences play a significant role in shaping communication styles. For example, in collectivist cultures, such as those in East Asia, communication is often morecontext-dependent and focused on harmony and maintaining relationships. In contrast, individualistic cultures, like those in North America, tend to prioritize individual needs and direct communication styles.These cultural differences can impact how individuals perceive and interpret verbal and nonverbal cues during communication. For instance, gestures, facial expressions, andbody language may carry different meanings across cultures. In some cultures, maintaining eye contact is a sign of respect and attentiveness, while in others, it may be considered rude or confrontational.Strategies for Effective Cross-Cultural CommunicationTo overcome the challenges of cross-cultural communication, individuals must develop strategies to enhance their understanding of different cultural norms and communication styles. Some strategies include:1. Cultural Sensitivity: Being aware of and respecting cultural differences is essential for effective communication. By acknowledging and valuing cultural diversity, individuals can promote mutual understanding and respect in their interactions with people from different backgrounds.2. Active Listening: Listening attentively and empathetically can help individuals better understand the perspectives and intentions of others. Active listening involves paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues, as well as asking clarifying questions to ensure clear communication.3. Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for navigating cultural differences in communication. Beingopen-minded and willing to adjust one's communication style to accommodate the preferences of others can foster positive and productive interactions across cultures.4. Cultural Awareness Training: Participating in cultural awareness training programs can help individuals develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effective cross-cultural communication. These programs provide insights into cultural norms, values, and communication styles, enabling individuals to navigate cultural differences more effectively.ConclusionIn conclusion, cross-cultural communication and exchange play a vital role in today's interconnected world. Language and culture are integral components of communication that shape how individuals interact with one another. By recognizing and respecting cultural differences, employing active listening, adaptability, and cultural awareness training, individuals can enhance their ability to communicate effectively across cultures. Ultimately, fostering understanding and building relationships across cultural boundaries is essential for promoting harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect in our diverse and interconnected global community.篇2Cross-cultural communication and exchange play a crucial role in today's globalized world. With the advancements in technology and the ease of travel, people from different cultural backgrounds are interacting and working together more than ever before. However, despite the benefits of this increased connectivity, it also brings challenges in terms of language and cultural differences.Language is an essential tool for communication, and its importance cannot be overstated when it comes to cross-cultural communication. People from different cultures may speak different languages, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. For example, a simple phrase or gesture in one culture may have a completely different meaning in another culture. Therefore, it is important for individuals engaging in cross-cultural communication to be aware of these language differences and make an effort to learn and understand the language of the other culture.Cultural differences also play a significant role incross-cultural communication. Every culture has its own set of values, beliefs, customs, and traditions, which can shape the way people communicate and interact with each other. For example,in some cultures, being direct and assertive in communication is considered rude, while in others, it is seen as a sign of honesty and openness. Understanding and respecting these cultural differences is essential for effective cross-cultural communication.One key aspect of cross-cultural communication is the ability to be sensitive and empathetic towards others' cultural values and norms. By showing respect for other cultures and being open-minded, individuals can build trust and establish meaningful relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds. This can lead to more effective communication and collaboration, ultimately benefiting both individuals and organizations.In addition, technology has played a significant role in facilitating cross-cultural communication. Platforms such as social media, video conferencing, and instant messaging have made it easier for people from different cultures to communicate and collaborate in real-time. These tools have made it possible for individuals and organizations to overcome language barriers and connect with people from all over the world.In conclusion, cross-cultural communication and exchange are essential in today's globalized world. By understanding andrespecting language and cultural differences, individuals can build meaningful relationships and collaborate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds. With the advancements in technology, it is now easier than ever to connect with people from around the world and engage in cross-cultural communication. By embracing diversity and cultural differences, individuals can create a more inclusive and interconnected global community.篇3Cross-cultural communication and exchange can be challenging yet extremely rewarding. In today's globalized world, it is becoming increasingly important to understand and appreciate different languages and cultures in order to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. Language is a key factor in cross-cultural communication, as it not only enables us to convey ideas and information, but also shapes the way we perceive the world around us.Language is not just a tool for communication, but also a reflection of culture. Each language carries with it a unique set of values, beliefs, and traditions that are embedded in its vocabulary, grammar, and expressions. Therefore, when we learn a new language, we are not only acquiring a new means ofcommunication, but also gaining insight into the culture and mentality of its speakers.In cross-cultural communication, understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial. Cultural norms, customs, and social hierarchies can greatly influence how people communicate and interact with one another. For example, in some cultures, direct communication and assertiveness are valued, while in others, indirect communication and harmony are prioritized. By being aware of these differences and adapting our communication style accordingly, we can avoid misunderstandings and build positive relationships with people from different cultures.Moreover, cross-cultural communication requires empathy, openness, and a willingness to learn from others. It is important to approach interactions with an open mind and a genuine curiosity about other cultures. By showing respect for cultural differences and valuing diversity, we can foster mutual understanding and create a more inclusive and harmonious global community.In addition to language and culture, non-verbal communication plays a significant role in cross-cultural interactions. Body language, gestures, facial expressions, and eyecontact can convey meaning and emotions that transcend linguistic barriers. Paying attention to these non-verbal cues can enhance our understanding of others and help us establish rapport and trust in cross-cultural communication.In conclusion, cross-cultural communication and exchange offer a wealth of opportunities for personal growth, learning, and connection with others. By embracing linguistic diversity, respecting cultural differences, and being open to new perspectives, we can navigate the challenges of communication across cultures and build bridges of understanding and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world. Let us celebrate the richness and beauty of our diverse languages and cultures, and strive to communicate with compassion, empathy, and respect for all.。
chapter 9 Language and Culture
Chapter 9 Language and CultureIntroduction语言和文化之间有密切的联系，这是一条不证自明的公理。
如果我们简要回顾一下过去一个世纪中语言学领域发生的事情，就可以找到更多的证据支持这个观点。
必须承认，18世纪初以来，对语言的探究从本质上说要么是历史比较的，要么是结构形式化的；然而，一些新的变化在20世纪开始的时候出现了。
无论是在英国还是在北美，语言研究都开始了人类学转向这种新传统的特征就是将语言研究置于社会文化的语境之中。
在英国，马林诺夫斯基和弗斯是这一运动的先驱，而在与之平行却有着独立传统的北美，鲍阿斯，萨丕尔和沃尔夫自然是其代表。
由于他们的创新和不懈努力，在语言和文化关系的研究领域中，许多重要而有创造性的工作得以完成。
尤为重要的是，这些研究建立了一种范式。
在此后多年中，这一学科范式引发了对这个问题的各种研究。
早在20世纪20年代，一个人类语言学学派在英国产生。
人类学家马林诺夫斯基在新几内亚东岸的Trobriand岛进行田野调查时，观察到这这种原始文化中，一个词的意义在很大程度上依赖于它所出现的语境，或者说依赖于生活中真实的语言环境。
比如wood一词，在本地文化中，它既有英语中相当的用法，即指树的坚固的物质成分，也可以更具体地指独木舟。
独木舟是这些岛屿居民的一种重要交通工具，在这个言语社会的日常生活中具有十分重要的功用。
然而这个词的第二种释义有着极强的环境色彩和文化意味，对一个来自不同文化环境的外来者而言，可能不那么容易掌握。
文化在语言研究中占什么地位？从20世纪70年代初开始，随着向水门(Watergate)事件这样的政治丑闻不断被揭露，一连串的衍生词语涌进了英语。
如―Billygate (比利门)‖，―Cattlegate (牲畜门)‖都是这样的复合形式。
在这种情形下人们感到在―(gate)‖构成的组合形式和衍生形式进行社会语言学研究时，有必要考察这些新词涉及的语义，结构以及功能的发展情况，同时在进行构词研究时需要更多了解这些相关因素之间的相互关系。
英语作文法国语言文化
French Language and CultureFrench is a beautiful and widely spoken language with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its elegance, complexity, and musicality.The French language has played a significant role in literature, philosophy, and science. Many famous writers, such as Victor Hugo and Marcel Proust, have written in French, leaving a lasting legacy.French culture is also renowned for its art, fashion, and cuisine. From the Louvre to the fashion shows in Paris, French art and fashion have had a significant influence on the world. French cuisine is famous for its sophisticated flavors and elaborate presentation.In addition, French culture values tradition, refinement, and good manners. The French are known for their love of good food, fine wine, and intellectual conversations.Learning the French language opens up a world of opportunities. It allows for better communication with French speakers and a deeper understanding of French culture. It also provides access to a wide range of literature, music, and films.In conclusion, the French language and culture are truly remarkable. They offer a unique and enriching experience that has captivated people around the world for centuries.译文：《法语和法国文化》法语是一种美丽且广泛使用的语言，具有丰富的文化遗产。
《新大学英语跨文化交际阅读》Language and Culture
Hale Waihona Puke Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf visited Geely on May 2010 and met Geely Group Chairman Li Shufu. At the meeting, the Swedish King showed his great concern for the future Volvo Cars, so he asked Li how Geely would guarantee that Volvo's standards would not be undermined after Geely's acquisition. Li Shufu said "We are not just keeping Volvo's standards, but helping Volvo regain its past glory.” The following day, the Swedish group attended the Geely-Volvo acquisition forum in Shanghai. One of the textbook authors made a presentation to the Swedish group and he asked the Swedish group whether they understood what Li meant by saying “We are not just keeping Volvo's standards, but helping Volvo regain its past glory.” They replied “No” and they asked the author what Li meant. When the author gave a short explanation from an intercultural perspective, they were all relieved and showed their gratitude to Geely’s acquisition.
英语作文 culture and language
英语作文 culture and languageCulture is the learned and shared behavior of a munityof interacting human beings. And languages are the cornerstones of a culture， defining who we are as a people. Just as the world is being less biologically rich， it is also being less culturally and linguistically diverse.There are a variety of reasons for the loss of cultures and languages.Technology has now created the possibility of a global culture. With the invention of telephone， fax machines and the inter， munications are no longer limited by time and space. Quick transportations such as airplanes have swept away the old national boundaries and shortened the physical distance among people.Global media and entertainment panies shape understandings， values and dreams of ordinary citizens wherever they live. Local cultures are falling victim to a global culture. Few students in China like or even understand Beijing Opera； instead， they prefer Hollywood films and international stars.The United States dominates the traffic in information and ideas. American music， American movies， American television， and American software are so dominant， so sought after， and so visible that they are now available literally everywhere on the Earth. This American culture isinfluencing the tastes， lives， and aspirations - in other words， culture - of virtually every nation.Foreign investment and international trade are taking place around the globe. This economic globalization has lead to a global culture. For example， a global fast food and drink culture has been spread all over the world by panies like McDonalds and Coca-Cola. In the meantime，local food and drink cultures are being less distinct and some weak ones will be gradually lost.Immigration has led to a more homogeneous society. Immigrants give up their own cultures in adaptation for the host countrys culture.War in Iraq destroyed not only its regime but also a culture that has developed for thousands of years. American ideology will be transplanted there.The world now loses a language every two weeks， a rate unprecedented in history.The intricate bination of politics， genocide，geography and economics conspire in the demise of language. Linguists estimate that in 100 years fewer than half of the worlds 6000 languages will still be in use. Will this mean a more peaceful， municative worlds or an aird linguistic desert， subject to the tyranny of the monoglot yoke？English language is being a dominant language in the world. If someone speaks English， he or she will have nodifficulty municating with people in almost every corner of the world. As a result， few people choose other small languages to study as a second language.Some small ethnic groups live a closed life without munication with the outside world. When the number of people within these ethnic groups diminishes， so do the languages they speak.Some governments do not give official recognition to minority languages or aboriginal languages and do not encourage people to speak these languages. So these languages get less spoken and will ultimately bee extinct.。
Language-and-Culture,Two Sides Of a Coin
Language-and-Culture, Two Sides of the Same Coin语言和文化，硬币的正反面I have a firm belief: Hindi and Urdu are basically one language. The division between the two is political and cultural, but linguistically they are one language. There are different scripts— Devnagari or Nastaliq—but that does not make for different languages. In this paper, I shall discuss the historical, political, c guistic perspectives of this issue. In addition, I shall describe the model used by us in the U.S.A. to teach Hindi-Urdu.I will start with a personal anecdote. In my early teens, I was associated with All India Radio in Lucknow and Delhi. I was initially contracted as a Hindi drama voice but would be often asked to give voice to Urdu plays whenever needed. I was delighted that I could make extra money by participating in Urdu plays without actually knowing Urdu language. The producers of Hindi as well as Urdu plays would often correct my pronunciation. I enjoyed learning new words or the correct pronunciation. I was earning as well as enriching and improving my language without making any specific effort to learn a new language.HistoryHistory of language supports my belief that the language developed from Apbhranshas, which in turn, like other North-Indian modern languages,de rived from Sanskrit. According to Amrit Rai, “Thus we see that but for a few of its phonetic peculiarities, Apbhransha is so clearly connected to Hindi that no one can doubt it is the immediate precursor of Hindi.”(A House Divided, Oxford, Delhi, 1991, pp. 58) .Scholars have already established that Hindi or Hindvi was the old name for Urdu. Ghalib, while writing poetry in the 19 th century called his language as Hindi. The term …Urdu' for this language was used for the first time in 1780. Shamsur Rahman Faruqi in his book on History of Urdu Language states, “Early names for the language now called Urdu were Hindavi, Hindi, Dihalvi, Gujari, Dakani, and Rekhtah, more or less in that order…”and then he adds, “It was not unknown, in fact, even in the early twe ntieth century, for the name …Hindi' to be used to mean …Urdu'…Urdu as a name for the language seems to occur for the first time around 1780.”(Oxford 2000, pp. 22-23). Faruqi adds that the term Urdu stood for the name of the city Shahjahanabad (old name of Delhi) and later for the language of that city (ibid.pp.24). It has been established that …khariboli' spoken around Delhi became the basis of modern standard Hindi-Urdu.Rai's approach differs from that of Faruqi. While Faruqi emphasizes the purity of Khariboli and Persian mix, Rai includes a number of poets whose Khariboli-Persian variety is sometimes mixed with Brajbhasha . This is the reason that Faruqi discusses poets like Shekh Bajan, Wali and avoids saying much about Bhakti poets like Kabir, Raskhan, and Khankhana etc. On the other hand, Rai quotes Kabir and other bhakta poets profusely. While Rai and Faruqi show a tradition of blending Persian-Hindi imagery and vocabulary, they differ in their illustrations. Faruqi shows more usage of Persian than Hindvi while Rai does the opposite. Both of these scholars also show that these poets have been influenced by Persian as well as Sanskrit literary traditions in their work.PoliticsThe differences between these two styles were formalized by the British language policy. In 1801, Fort Williams College was established in Calcutta and two distinct styles of Khariboli prose were encouraged to develop. Later in the early 20 th century, this division was accentuated by theHindu-Muslim strife in the national polity leading to two separate language movements-- Nagari Pracharini Sabha and Anjuman-e-taraqqi-e-Urdu . The political battles between Indian National Congress and Muslim League propelled both of these language movements to cause further alienation of Hindi-Urdu. NPS began Sanskritising while ATU was advocating Persianising of Khariboli. This controversy reached its climax at the time of India's partition. Nevertheless, the tension between the communities and the process of alienation has continued, perhaps, even more forcefully. The separation of Hindi-Urdu became most pronounced at the governmental level and at the All India Radio level. In common man's speech, it was one language as exemplified by the Hindi films, popular songs and the creative literature. However, most of the educated people began to accept the differences willingly or unwillingly. In spite of all the effort to categorize or divide the writers into Urdu or Hindi writers, I strongly believe that Ismat Chughtai, Manto, Rajendra Singh Bedi, Krishan Chander(classified as Urdu) or Mohan Rakesh, Krishna Sobti, Rahi Masum Raza, Abdullah Bismillah, Kamleshwer, Rajendra Yadav, Mrinal Pande(classified as Hindi) and many others, use the same language. Just the choice of Persianized or Sanskritised vocabulary, does not make one a writer in a different language.It is true that when it comes to literature while Urduwalas look up to Ghazal, Mersia and Masnavis as major literary forms, the proponents of Hindi look up to Bhakti and Shringar poetry for the same. However, there are many common literary forms and poets like Kabir, Jayasi, Raskhan, Abdur Rahim Khankhana who are revered by both traditions. In the modern literature, there are even more commonalities e.g. fiction literature, Nazm, and Geet etc. Combining these traditions and treating them as forms of one languageis linguistically more appropriate approach. After all, there are so many varied genres in the English language and yet it has not been divided into two or more languages on that account. Ghalib and Mir can also be part of the same canon that Prasad and Nirala are. I am aware that mostHindi-Urduwalas will find this statement rather shocking. As C.M. Naim in his essay, Urdu in India says, “They may call Urdu a s haili or style in Hindi, but they will never include Ghalib, Iqbal and Faiz (or Sarshar Ruswa and Qurratulain Haider) in the Hindi cannon..” and then adds, “The Urduwallas have never included Jaisi and Qutbun, despite the fact that the manuscriptsof their Sufi poems in Avadhi are all in the Perso-Arabic script. Just as Kabir is not considered a part of the Urdu cannon, though linguistically he should be included…” (Ambiguities of heritage, City press, Karachi, 1999. pp. 101).My question here is why not? I think it is the elitism of both Hindiwalas and Urduwalas that is responsible for making such decisions of exclusivity. These are not based in the nature and realities of this language or its literature.VocabularyThe initial British language policy and the later political polemic have divided the language to such an extent that modern British scholar Ralph Russell had to say that, “For all practical purposes, therefore, Urdu and Hindi are two separate languages and should be described as such, despite their almost completely common structure and less completely common stock of everyday words” (The Annual of Urdu studies, number 11, 1996, “Some notes on Hindi and Urdu, pp.204).It is true that Russell's statement is based on the use of vocabulary and as further says, “The most formal leve l of Hindi, sometimes referred to as …high Hindi', uses a vocabulary saturated with Sanskrit, while the corresponding level of Urdu, sometimes called, …high Urdu', draws heavily on Persian and Arabic. On this level, the two come close to mutual unintelligibility. Other less formal levels of Hindi and Urdu approach complete mutual intelligibility, the main difference being the script employed.”(pp. 8)Russell illustrates vocabulary from Snell & Weightman's TEACH YOURSELF HINDI (incidentally that is the book I use for teaching beginners Hindi to my students at Columbia university) and says, “ It is true that the Hindi equivalent of …how far is the station from here?' is identical with the Urdu equivalent. And it is also true that the Urdu for “The 18 th centur y was a period of social, economic and political decline is “atharvin sadi samaji, iqtisadi aur siyasi zaval ka daur thi , “while the Hindiequivalent is “atharavin sadi samajik, arthik, aur rajnitik girav ki sadi thi”.”(ibid.pp.204) and he goes on to sh ow the differences in formal Hindi and Urdu to conclude, “This is far from being a “one language, two scripts' situation”(ibid.pp.204).I must say that when one learns a foreign language it is an effort to learn each different expression for the same thing but a native speaker finds several different ways and words to communicate all kinds of similar or different expressions. A language's richness resides in its ability to be a carrier of multiplicity of expressions and connotations. In addition, there is always a formal and informal code in languages. Whereas the spoken language uses a mixed code, a formal language can be free to pick its vocabulary from whichever source that suits it. Personally I have never had difficulty in learning both kinds of vocabulary and nor do I restrict my students from using either of the options. English has a global language status mainly due to its capability to include words from all over the world. One finds esoteric words like pundit, guru, dacoit, thug which are very much Hindi-Urdu words. Why then should Hindi or Urdu restrict themselves to the usage of Persian or Sanskrit words. Why can't it be inclusive? In Christopher King's words, English “..became a great languageby inclusion rather than exclusion ”(pp.190). He is o f course saying this to Hindiwalas that, “Let them cultivate an open and accepting attitude towards borrowing words from other sources…..and let them allow and encourage this process-though likely to happen anyway since language change lies mainly beyond t he power of a few to control..”(pp190) A language grows on the tongue of its speakers and the process of binding or purifying does not stop this natural growth. Thus, it is the speakers of the language who give any language its organic form. Vested efforts can never stop the natural growth of Hindi-Urdu. Modern Urdu and Hindi are artificial forms of one language.The phenomenon of Sansritization is not restricted to Hindi only. Punjabi, Gujrati, Bengali and Marathi have all gone through this process but that did not sub-divide any of these languages. Same is true for Hindi-Urdu. However, we have been forced to see these as two different languages because Hindu and Muslim communities have allowed their identities to be associated with one or the other.The process of sanskritization of Hindi-Urdu is not favored by most people. If that were true then most people will call a train “lauh-path-gamini”. However, such words just died in the pages of dictionaries and Hindu-Urdu speakers continued to use common words like “gari or relgari”. I do not want Hindi to be separated from Urdu. It will be loss to both. It is only staunch Hindi and Urduwalas who like to keep an attitude of superiority against one another.The Hindi, that Gandhi and Nehru advocated to become official language of India, was no different from commonly spoken lingua franca that in Ather Farooqui's article about Future Prospects of Urdu in India, is called Urdu. He says, “the fact is that as a spoken language the popularity and acceptance of Urdu cut across barriers of cultural, religious and status considerations”.(Mainstream , Annual, 1992) This is the language that I call Hindi-Urdu or Urdu-Hindi.It is wrong to say that Urdu is dying because of Hindi. The truth is that Hindi's life is Urdu's life and vice-versa. It is one language that has enriched itself from various sources. In spite of the fact that English language has grown differently in different countries yet it continues to be one language. Communities adopt a language; enrich it with their lifeexperiences , traditions and social-cultural milieu. Such enrichment is considered strength of the language, not a reason to fight over it or divide it. Urdu has grown as much as Hindi since partition. It has perhaps gained more geographical territory due to it's highly Persianised form being used in Pakistan. C.M. Naim in his book “Ambiguities of Heritage” says that Urdu in India has neither declined in the number of speakers nor publications. According to him, there are more speakers, more book publications since 1947. “I have noticed no decline in number, in either relative or absolute terms.”(pp. 99) About using Devnagari script, he comments that Urdu will not become Hindi, instead, “If the script is changed, Urdu will have as much , if not more, effect on Hindi. We have the example of the so-called Hindi films; they use a language that is not the cherished variety heard on official bulletins or in the corridors of Hindi institutions.”(pp.100) This seems to be a quite positive picture.Linguistic baseA language is not determined on the basis of certain borrowed words in its vocabulary. It is based on the basic rules of grammar and syntax.Hindi-Urdu is founded in same grammatical structure and syntax. Its pronouns, verbs, and basic vocabulary are same. However, vocabulary can always be borrowed. English has borrowed words from all over the world and the variety of vocabulary gives it a strong local color. In the same manner, vocabulary can be borrowed from Persian or Sanskrit without changing the nature of our language called Hindvi, Hindi or Urdu.ScriptThe other main dividing factor is script-as aptly illustrated by the very title of Christopher King's book, “One language, two scripts”. Can a script be the basis for changing a language? It may be worth mentioning here that RalphRussell initially learned Urdu with Roman script in the British-Indian army. Russell is a well-known Urdu scholar and he does not cease to be one on account of his having learnt Urdu through roman script. Therefore, one could deduce that it is possible to change the script without changing a language. After all language also resides in its oral form, which is, free of script. Russell actually supports the use of Devnagari or Roman besides Persian for Urdu. According to him, “Confining Urdu to Persian script also works against its spread. There is a large readership for Urdu works written in Devnagari script and also for Urdu works introduced through English.”(Urdu In India Since Independence, Economic and Political weekly, Jan.9, 1999, pp.44). He is in favor of publishing Urdu works in Devnagari script for the benefit of Urdu itself, “It would be extremely helpful to people who know Urdu but who cannot read the Urdu script and to the cause of Urdu generally if Urdu teaching materials and works of Urdu literature were published in Devnagari script.”(ibid.pp.47)I am aware of the fact that script is important and inherent to a language and that is why certain sounds can be transcribed only in the inherent script. For this reason all the sounds cannot be easily transferred to Devnagari script or all the conjunct Hindi letters cannot be easily transcribed in Urdu script. However, this should not be a major issue because Hindi and Urdu both are equally capable of transcribing Persianised or Sanskritised words and have done so in the past. Actually both scripts are in a way inherited byHindi-Urdu. It is like Punjabi is written in Gurumukhi as well as Nastaliq but it is still Punjabi.However, script is one of the major issues in the Hindi-Urdu strife. One can see its origin in the establishment of the Fort William College in Calcutta where the demand for vernacular language textbooks started this controversy. Since major scholars in the field right from the early times of Gilchrist, Grierson to the current ones like Faruqi, King and Rai have already written profusely about this, I will not repeat the history. Interestingly, Rai claims that most of the old Hindi was written in Devnagari script while on the other hand Urdu scholars like Faruqi claim that most old Hindi/Hindvi or Urdu was written in Urdu/Persian script. This clearly shows that any of the two scripts is equally good for this language called Hindi or Urdu. King has even gone to the extent of suggesting different names that could be acceptable to both Hindiwalas as well as Urduwalas like Hirdu or Urdi. But this may sound ridiculous to some of us.My own feeling is that there is nothing wrong in adopting a hyphenated name like Hindi-Urdu or Urdu-Hindi whichever is acceptable. Living with diversity and plurality is the norm, it is unfortunate that we have been fighting over it and feeling sorry about it when differences that exist can be used positively for the benefit of the growth of the language.It is interesting to note that Hindu-Urdu (together as one language) can claim to be the world's second most spoken language. If we divide these into two, they move much lower in such ranking.Cultural ImplicationsHere I should mention that script in a way symbolizes a culture. A language is not just for communication but also is a vehicle of culture . Therefore, even though Hindi-Urdu is one language, there is a different story when we deal with the question of culture..A language has two sides to it—cultural and linguistic. But here not only the linguistic features of Hindi-Urdu are the same, but they share many aspects of culture. In fact eminent scholar Abul Haq, a leader of the Urdu movement in India, had called Urdu a common language of Hindu-Muslims, born of their cultural synthesis. Even the religious poets who used this language from 11-17 th century sang of spiritual synthesis. “The center of the field is occupied by Hindi/Hindavi , with almost as many Muslim poets—quite a few of the high-born Syeds, well versed in Arabic and Persian—writing in it as Hindus and achieving great distinction as Hindi poets.”(Amrit Rai “A House Divided, pp.231-232). It is the 19 th and 20th century's political events that caused tensions and furor between Hindus and Muslims who began to separate the language on the basis of their religion. For example all Islamic texts are written in Arabic and Hindu scripture are written in Sanskrit. This seems to become a major issue in the divisions of the language. This caused further divisions. High caste pundits treated Persian words as untouchables. It was Pandit Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi's Hindi purification movement in the early 20 th century that began to replace all Persian words with Sanskrit words. This process tore apart the inherent cultural synthesis. On the other hand because of the Islamic connection, Nastaliq held on to its bond to Persian culture more strongly. Over time the cultural divide of two communities divided the language as well. But why should a language suffer if its speakers are divided on cultural account? The vast body of literature created in other countries expressing their indigenous dreams and fears has given English language the capability of expressing a variety of local colors; it has also raised it to the level of a global language. Language is not limited by religion. Various religious communities may choose to express themselves and their religious feeling in a certain language and begin to identify with it but that does not limit a language especially if it has traditionally been a vehicle of communication for a variety of communities. Each community can give language its own color but that would not change the nature of the language. It can only grow in as many directions as it is made to. I will again give example of English here,which has expressed Christian, Hindu or Muslim thoughts in the modern world but is not restricted to or restrained by any one.Traditionally Hindi/Hindavi (old name of Urdu) has been written in Nastaliq as well as Devnagari. Most of the literature created by the Muslim community had used Nastaliq script. Consequently, it has been associated with Muslim community in India. But its usage is not restricted to Muslims. Nastaliq script has also been used by Hindus. Both scripts have been used for a huge body of secular as well as religious literature. Muslim community in India has associated itself with Urdu script, literature, and Islamic religious texts, and thus seeks its separateness as a language, culture and people . Ather Farouqui in this respect says, “Urdu is seen by average Muslims in India as the language for their cultural identity and for this reason evokes a deep attachment.” He himself agrees that, “This was not always the case. Historically, Urdu was the language of the ruling Muslim elites and Hindus who came in touch with Muslim leaders.”(The Emerging Dilemma of the Urdu Press in India: A Viewpoint, South Asia, vol. Xviii, no.2, 1995,pp.91). Of course, AtherFarouqui is limiting Urdu to elites and not realizing the fact that this language also lived and flourished among the common people. ( This is why scholars like Farouqui will not include Kabir in this cannon.)Because of the connection between religious and linguistic identity of Muslims, Hindus see Urdu as part of Muslim fundamentalist agenda and Muslims see its denial as an attack on their cultural and religious identity. Actually this is where the crux of this problem lies. The issues ofHindu-Muslim identity have been played out as language issues and both communities keep going back and forth to the less important or irrelevant features, like script and vocabulary, of this language and try to either divide the language or disown a part of it. But it will be linguistically and historically wrong to judge Urdu as a language of Muslims or Hindi as a language of Hindus. It is a shared languageOne should note here that not all Muslims of India speak Urdu. Kerala Muslims' mother tongue is Malyalam, and Bengali Muslims' language is Bengali. Paradoxically, while Urdu is the official language of Kashmir, most of the Muslims in that state speak Kashmiri instead of Urdu.SolutionI have repeatedly said and would still say that the main difference between Urdu and Hindi is not of language but is that of the script. Therefore, contrary to what Amrit Rai suggested in “A house Divided” and I will quote, “… Urdu ..has no geographical region of its own. The …region' it has is a metaphorical region or, to put it differently, a psychological or emotionalregion,..”(A House Divided, pp. 288) , I would like to r eiterate here that Urdu has the same region that Hindi has. Whichever areas are considered to be Khariboli Hindi regions, they belong to Urdu too.Now how should one reclaim those regions?I guess the major concern of Urdu (Persianised Hindi) speaking community seems to be about its teaching, growth and its status as a language of communication like other major Indian national languages. Only Hindi has been given the status of official language while Urdu does not enjoy that status .Since Urdu, like Hindi, has been a major language in the Hindi belt, it is justified in feeling denied its deserved place. In other words, Urduwallas would like Urdu to have the status of recognition as a medium of instruction in all Hindi-Urdu speaking states and be part of thethree-language formula in all other states. Since independence, even in Uttar Pradesh where Hindi-Urdu was the main language, only Sanskritized Hindi has flourished while Urdu has been ignored. As a result, the synthesized form of Hindi-Urdu has been neglected which is naturally a cause of concern for all Urdu lovers.But if Devnagari script along with Sanskritized vocabulary remains the Sarkari Hindi and the medium of school instruction, an alternative of Nastaliq with Persianized vocabulary will have to be provided to those who want it. Neither of the forms will be the language I call Hindi-Urdu or the original Hindavi.India is a democracy and all communities have equal rights to promote their culture.But the way things work in a democracy is that communities also help themselves. As Ralph Russell has said, “ it was, and it is, primarily the responsibility of people who love Urdu and Urdu literature to arrange for the teaching of Urdu and Urdu literature themselves. They could and they should do that; and if I am not mistaken they are not doing it.”(Urdu in India since Independence, Economic and Political weekly, Jan.9, 1999, pp.45). The first and foremost step is to teach Urdu at community institutions. Actually it is a good idea that language should be taught at home especially if the community feels that there are not ample opportunities outside. In the US, there are a number of South Asian Sunday schools fashioned after the Christian Sunday schools. These schools give religious education as well as teach Hindi-Urdu to children. Hindi-Urdu is not offered at US schools but most children, whose parents are interested in their children learning the language either teach them at home or send their children there for learning from other volunteers. Sometime it comes as a surprise that children ofAmerican Indians end up speaking better Hindi-Urdu than middle and upper-middle class children in India. In the United States, wherever there is a large South Asian community, parents have been able to prod local school to offer South Asian languages at school level. This is how things move in a democratic setup. Every community must be willing to volunteer to support its interest instead of just complaining. That is the only way to settle matters in a peaceful and cooperative manner.It is true that most community-run institutions teach language using religious texts. Community institutions like Madrasas only limit themselves to religious education and as Ralph Russell says (ibid) they never get education in Urdu literature, which is such an important part of that learning. It will be a great service by Madrasas's if they included Urdu literature in their curriculum. Alternatively, there could be secular community institutions for the purpose of teaching language and literature. Government has its responsibilities too. It should facilitate education in Nastaliq. Like other language communities in various Indian states,Urdu-speaking people should get government support to propagate their language and culture.State governments should help recognize and institute Urdu script in the curriculum. India is a secular democracy and every community naturally protects its culture and language.Hindi-Urdu share the same territory. It is important to identify areas where a substantive number of people want their children to learn Urdu. There are two ways of doing it—(1) make it compulsory for all children to learn both scripts initially as part of the three-language-formula, or (2) make it available only to those who ask for it.These are just broad categories and details could be worked out on basis of need.I think they should also look into Gujral Committees recommendations in this respect.Urdu has been declared as Official language of Bihar and UP, at least on paper. But it will only depend on political will to introduce both scripts for learning. Besides scripts it will also be a question of which texts to choose on the basis of particular localities. There are already some Urdu medium schools in U.P., Andhra Pradesh and BiharOne may ask whether teaching two scripts is a waste of time and money. I would support the idea of two scripts for two reasons—by learning twoscripts students will have access to more variety of texts and secondly it will protect the heritage of a communitySince Devnagari is easier to learn, we should make Nastaliq texts available in Devnagari and vice-versa. Talking from my own experience, students generally learn Devnagari in a couple of days and begin to read well in about two weeks whereas learning Nastaliq takes almost two semesters and still struggle with different variety of texts. Our program introduces them to Devnagari in the first year. They are introduced to Nastaliq only in the second year after they are able to communicate in basic Hindi-Urdu. Whatever script we choose to use, they are all going to learn the same language. We might like to go back to the name Hindvi if that makes everyone comfortable. From my own experience, I would reiterate that I read all Urdu literature in Devnagari without being conscious of reading a different language.In the process of alienation of two communities differentiation in the language is generally sought and achieved by tilting the vocabulary towards the use of more esoteric words from one or the other language of origin. While Amrit Rai accuses Muslims of alienating Urdu by overstuffing it with Persian vocabulary and literary genres, King accuses Nagari Pracharini Sabha of being equally responsible for Sanskritizing Hindi.We have to walk the middle path and let the language bloom even if it has to borrow necessary words from different sources. We should freely borrow and use words from one another and stop this purer than thou attitude. This is the best way in which Hindi-Urdu will not only survive but flourish . Hindi-Urdu is like a coin with two sides. No matter what side you look at, it remains the same currency.Now I come to the second part of my presentation where I shall describe the model that we use to teach Hindi-Urdu in the U.S.A.Hindi-Urdu in the U.S.It is interesting to note that since people abroad are somewhat free of communal baggage, it was possible to start teaching programs that saw Hindi-Urdu as one language with two scripts. When I started teaching in the US in 1985, I fortunately landed in and became part of such a Hindi-Urdu program at Columbia, which was then run by Prof. Frances Pritchett, awell-known Urdu scholar. I run this program with the help of Hindu and Muslims teachers who teach both Hindi and Urdu scripts to the same group of students irrespective of their religion and nationality. This is how we do it:。
language_and_culture
Language and cultureAbstract: Language is the carrier of culture, the main expressional form of culture, which develops along with nation, country and society’s development.Language is a part of a nation’s culture. The different nationality hasdifferent culture, history, manners，customs and so on, but variousnationalities’ culture and the social custom all display in this nationali ty’slanguage. This article, by analyzing dialect, idioms and Chinglish, mainlyreveals the relationship between language and culture is interdependentand interactive. Culture has a restricted effect on language and others outerfactor according to the form and structure of language. As a word,Language is a mirror, in front of which Culture is reflected. There aremany ways in which the phenomena of language and culture are intimatelyrelated. Languages are all influenced by cultural characteristics, and have acertain influence to the resp ective language and nationality’s culture.Key W ords: language, culture, dialect, idiom, Chinglish, teaching language.As we all know, language is a kind of tool which is used for communication. So far, a lot of linguists have made researches on all aspects of language and come out a grate deal of theory books which provide some relevant reference for us, especially about the relationship between language and culture.In the past years, I just only took all the concentration on the language and neglected culture to a certain extent. After reading some relevant theory books, I have a much more systematic understanding. Now let us discuss culture at first.What is culture; it can be approached from different perspectives and consequently defined in quite different ways. If we look for the word in dictionary, we will know that culture refers to the customs and beliefs, art, way of life and social organization of a particular country or group. As a matter of fact, there is no satisfactory definition that enjoys a general acceptance by scholars of all sciences. However we still can give it a general notion. In a broad way, culture means the total way of life of a person, including the patter of belief, customs, objects, institutions, techniques, and language that characterizes the life of human community. In a narrow sense, culture may refer to local or specific practice, beliefs or customs, which can bemostly found in folk culture, enterprise culture or food culture and so on. Culture is an inclusive complicated system, and can be broadly divided into material culture and spiritual culture. Material culture refers to all the concrete and substantial cultural aspects of human society. Spiritual culture, on the contrary, refers to abstract and implicit cultural aspects of human society, including ideology, patterns of thought, values, beliefs, conventions, traditions, social norms and customs, assumptions, interpersonal relationships, etc.Through mentioned above, we can have a general understanding of culture. Then what is the relationship between language and culture on earth? As far as I know, there exists a close connection between language and culture. No one would deny the relation of language to culture. Language expresses cultural reality, reflects the people’s attitudes, beliefs, world outlooks, etc. The culture both emancipates and constrains people socially, historically and metaphorically. Culture also affects its people’s imagination or common dreams which are mediated through the la nguage and reflected in their life. On the one hand, language as an integral part of human being permeates in his thinking and way of viewing the world, language both expresses and embodies cultural reality; on the other, language, as a product of culture, helps perpetuate the culture, and the changes in language uses reflect the cultural changes in return.Language plays an important role in all the social activities and is indispensable part of people’s activities in society. However human being’s lingui stic phenomena is so mysterious that people have not known a lot yet. Since ancient times, linguists have tried to do research into the language in many ways, forming many kinds of linguistic school.At the early start of the 20th century, people had realized that language was a basic and important component of certain culture and has intrinsic and indispensible effect. As we will refer to, although in the Long River of language science’s development, exploring the relationship between language and culture never took up any leading or dominant position. From the 1960s on, the language rooting in social and culture has long been the focus of everlasting linguists study. The anthropologicalapproach to the study of language and culture laid a firm foundation in the history of linguistic development. Eugenc.Nida, a well-known linguist and translation theorist, also made some brilliant views, concerning the relationship between language and culture: if we want to do a good job in cross-cultural communication, there are five types of sub-culture we should be fully aware of ecologic culture, linguistic culture, religions culture, material culture and social culture. In other words, language and culture are in a dialectical relationship. Every language is part of a culture, and it severs and reflects culture needs firstly. The relationship between language and culture reflects on words. The same word may stir up different associations in people under different cultural background. e.g. the word “dog”.Language is closely related to culture and can be said as a part of culture. For many people, language is not just the medium of culture but also is a part of culture. It is quite common for immigrants to a new country to retain their old customs and to speak their first language amid fellow immigrants, even if all present are comfortable in their new language. This occurs because the immigrants are eager to preserve their own heritage, which includes not only customs and traditions but also language. This is also seen in many Jewish communities, especially in older members: Yiddish is commonly spoken because it is seen as a part of Jewish culture. From a dynamic view, language and culture interact with each other and shape each other. Language is the carrier of culture which in turn is the content of language. We can dig out cultural features from language and explain language phenomena with culture.There are many ways in which the phenomena of language and culture are intimately related. Both phenomena are unique to humans and have therefore been the subject of a great deal of anthropological, sociological, and even mimetic study. Language, of course, is determined by culture, though the extent to which this is true is now under debate. The converse is also true to some degree: culture is determined by language - or rather, by the replicators that created both, memes. Dialects, idioms and Chinglish all are the concrete embodiment of language and culture.Dialect is a mirror of culture. It reflects different culture in different area. Dialect is the form of language that is spoken in one area with grammar, words andpronunciation that may be different from other forms of the same language. The language different associated with dialect may occur at any level of language, including pronunciation, grammar, semantics, and language use. A language spoken by more than one small homogeneous community found to consist of two or more dialects. There are different ways of saying the same thing. Dialect is a reflection of the culture. The form of dialect has lots of reasons. Such as difference caused by education, occupation, status, age, race, gender, situations, region and other more language related issues. Dialects refer to different language variety used in different geographical region. When people are separated from each other geographically dialectal diversity develops. Geographical barriers like mountain ranges, big rivers, glaciers or other natural factors usually cause great transportation problems for people living in an out-of-way place. In addition, economy and politic are also important factors. With the time flies, dialects appear when language with its own characteristics develops. In China, dialects are very common. Different town has different dialect. If 2 persons coming from different place do not learn Putonghua, they will be confused by separate dialect. In college, there are many students coming from all over the country. They all have their own dialects.Idioms as a special form of language exist in both of them and carry a large amount of cultural information such as history, geography, and religion, custom, nationality psychology, thought pattern and etc, and therefore are closely related to culture. They are the heritage of history and product of cultural evolvement. Consequently, we can know much about culture through studying idioms and in turn get better understanding of idioms by learning the cultural background behind them. Idiom basically comes from the folk, and to a great extent, reflects a nati onality’s cultural characteristics, the different nationality’s experience of life and the national character. Same as novel, poetry and other literary work, idiom is the essence of various national languages. The very many idioms are even very difficult to find in common dictionaries, but have vivid life feature and trueborn national characteristic. This is also a phenomenon which worthy of the language researchers and learners’ attention. Idiom is also an important rhetoric method of language, the independence,anomalistic but the fixed factor of language. The idioms of different languages are both influenced by cultural characteristics, and have a certain influence to the respective language and nationality's culture. Like Chinese idiom, English idiom is also a vivid language form. It is brief and to the point, vivid, harmonious, and so on. If we are not familiar with the human custom of one country, cultural or historical background, this kind of meaning in the characters will be ignorant. Especially this kind of meaning of word is the most difficult to deal with in translation. The production of the idiom is related to people’s living environment, custom, religious belief, and historical allusion and so on For example, to rest on one's oars(暂时歇一歇), to kee p one’s head above water(奋力图存), all at sea(不知所措), a pack of rogues(狐朋狗党), you are a lucky dog(你是一个幸运儿),every dog has his 3 day(凡人皆有得意日)，old dog will not learn new tricks(老人学不了新东西), “God helps those who help themselves”(天助自助者), “Go to hell”(下地狱去), Between Scylla and Carbides(进退维谷), Pandora's box(潘多拉的盒子:无穷的灾难)and so on. If we don’t know the origin of the idioms, we can not understand them correctly. Idioms are a kind of language block which carry rich cultural elements. They are even called as the live fossil of culture.Chinglish is more and more popular in Chinese lives. The appearance of Chinglish is also reflecting the relationship between language and culture. Certainly, it shows a special kind of relationship between English language and Chinese culture. We all know that every country has its own mother language and particular culture. With the teaching of English popular with the youth in China, young boys and girls begin to use it in our daily lives. Using single words or phrases substitute Chinese character. For example, we translate “好好学习，天天向上”into “day day up, good good study” , “让我看看”becomes “let me see see”, “好久不见”is “long time no see”and so on. The wind of Chinglish sweeps across the country especially on the internet. Now almost all the people know it and will use it once in a while. Even the westerners start to accept it gradually. As a new kind of communicative ways, Chinglish maybe become a kind of new language and new culture. Although we do not know whether it would exist or not for a long time, we can get a conclusion:different language merges into different language and different culture, which is likely to develop a new kind of language. Language is a communicative tool and has been staying develop and change. As long as we can underst and the meaning of people’s words and have no trouble to normal conversation. The coinage of Chinglish is also a perfect language to a certain extent. It is much simpler than English. We do not need to worry about the grammar and sentence structure. It has arbitrary nature.A language does reflect the culture of a society, but only in certain aspects, especially in its hierarchy of vocabulary and its discourse patterns. A language may boast an abundance of terms in certain domains, which may indicate the focus of culture. Changes in culture result in new types of discourse. The popularity of certain types of discourse may also reflect cultural concerns.The significance of cultural teaching in teaching language is very important. Learning a foreign language is inseparable from learning its culture. We need to learn enough about the language’s culture so that we can communicate in the target language properly to achieve not only the linguistic competence but also the pragmatic or communicative competence as well. Through communication, some elements of culture A enter culture B and become part of culture B, this phenomenon is known as cultural diffusion. One typical example of cultural diffusion is the appearance of loan words. Intercultural or cross-cultural communication is communication between people from different cultures (their cultural perceptions and symbols systems are distinct enough to alter the communication event.) In cross-cultural communication, we need to pay special attention to the significant differences regarding social relations and concept of universe from different perspectives such as language, food, dress, attitude towards time, work habits, social behavior and religious belief that can cause frustrations in communications and contacts.In any culture or region, language is much more than semantics, much more than what the written page or the spoken word can contain. This especially becomes clear when studying a foreign language and learning the ways of a particular culture. e.g. the use of introductions, salutations, everyday sayings, etc. This area in particulargives more weight to culture then to the words themselves. Anyone studying a foreign language has to be bicultural as well as bilingual to speak the new language in a wa y that it is not disparaging to the culture and its origin. Language does not end at the meaning or the use of words associated to a culture words represent beliefs, history, and the culture of their origin and they must be used accordingly.ConclusionLanguage is the carrier of culture, the main expressional form of culture, which develops along w ith nation, country and society’s development. Language is a part of a nation’s culture. Language and culture are closely related to and depend on each other through their history. The native language is acquired along with the ways, attitudes and patterns of behaving of the social group, and these ways, attitudes and patterns of behaving patterns find their expression through language. In the view of this, we can know that language is an inseparable or integral part of culture, and the medium through which culture is acquired.References[1]Thomas, J. Cross-cultural Pragmatic Failure [J]. Applied Linguistics, 1983(4)[2] 杨信彰,《语言学概论》[M],An introduction to linguistics, 高等教育出版社, 2008[3] 凌征华,《英语语言学》[M], English linguistics，湖南人民出版社, 2006[4] 李瑞华,《英汉语言文化对比研究》[M]，上海外语教育出版社, 1997[5] 戴炜栋,《新编简明英语语言学教程》[M]，上海外语教育出版社, 1989。
语言与文化(Language and Culture)
Language and CultureI firmly believe that language and culture are familiar with everyone on earth. Nevertheless, I don’t think everyone is clear about the real meaning of language and culture. On this basis, this essay will explain some basic information about language and culture, including what is language, what is culture and the relationship between language and culture. What’s more, quite a number of examples will be cited to help you have a better understanding of language and culture.Let’s begin with the concept of language. When we put a key word “language”into the online Wikipedia(维基百科)，which is a free encyclopedia to people all over the world, we find that language is defined as the human capacity for acquiring and using complex system of communications , and a language is any specific example of such a system. From this definition, we have a clear consciousness towards language. When we look into the Oxford English-Chinese Dictionary, Language is divided into several meanings as follow：1. use of words in an agreed way as a method of human communications 2. system of words of a particular community or country etc. 3. faculty of speech 4. system of symbols and rules for writing computer programs 5. any method of communication.6. professional or specialized vocabulary. Besides, I have also learned the definition of language from my linguistics class. In the book A New Concise Course in Linguistics for Students of English(新编简明英语语言学教程). Langue is thought to be a system of arbitrary vocal symbol used for human communication. Short as it is, this definition has captured the main features of language. First of all, language is a system, that is, elements of language are combined according to rules. Second, language is arbitrary in the sense that theme is no intrinsic connection between a linguistic symbol and what the symbol stands for. This conventional nature of language is well illustrated by a famous quotation: A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. This quotation means rose is still rose even it is called by another name.For my part, the definition of language is varied. Generally speaking, it is a series code that facilitates human communication. And beyond a specific context, language has no intrinsic meaning.After finishing talking about what is language, let’s know more about culture. Similarly, in the Wikipedia, culture is defined as fallowing meanings, Firstly, culture is deemed as a modern concept based on a term first used in classical antiquity by the roman orator Cicero: Cultura animi ( cultiration of the soul). Secondly, the term “culture”in American anthropology had two meanings: the evolved human capacity to classify and represent experiences with symbol, and to act imaginatively and creatively. Thirdly, Hoebel describes culture as an integrated system of learned behavior patterns and which are not a result of biological inheritance. Besides, we learn the meaning of culture from theIntercultural Communication course. Culture is defined as the group of people who share the same ancestry. There are also many renowned socialists give culture several definitions. For example, E.sapir once said that culture may be defined as what a societu does and thinks.Shortly, culture is involved in so many aspects that it is hard to give it an accurate definition. Put in another way, for different people, culture has very different meaning, according to their own value, education background, social status and so forth. So there is nothing to criticize when other’s understanding of culture is different from yours.Having known so much basic information about language and culture, we will have look at the relationship between language and culture. In the book Intercultural communication in English(新编跨文化交际英语)，there is a description of the relationship between language and culture. It goes like this: culture and language are intertwined and shape each other. Language is not a matter of neutral codes and grammatical rules. Each time we select words form sentences, and send a message, either oral or written. We also make cultural choices. We all agree that language helps in communication with people from different backgrounds. However, we may be less aware that cultural literary is necessary to understand the language being used. Personally speaking, language and culture is not two totally different subjects with no relevance. On the contrary, they are tightly related. That is to say, onlywhen language is put into a specific environment of cultural context does it have some real meaning.To have a better understanding of language and culture, several typical examples of the language and cultural difference between China and the western countries will be cited. We all know that the Chinese culture is both profound and extensive which leads to numerous idioms, allusions, proverbs and sayings, which is hard for foreigners to understand. Take some of them for instances. Firstly, take “过着牛郎织女的生活” for example, it can be literally translated as the Herd-boy and the spinning maid(mythical lovers separated by the Milky Way). But a foreigner may feel puzzled when look at this allusion, for they do not have the cultural background of the allusion. Actually, it is a folk tale of ancient China which means husband and wife living apart. If you want a foreigner fully understand this allusion, you’d better to tell him the whole tale, which also help him to know more about Chinese culture.There are also other four-character allusions in Chinese. Such as 三顾茅庐—make three calls at the thatched cottage(as Liu Bei did when he sought the aid of Zhuge Liang, a master straight then living in seclusion)—repeatedly request someone to take up a responsible post.完璧归赵——return the jade intact to the state of Zhao—return something to its owner in perfect condition.拔苗助长—stand by a stump waiting for hares to come and dash themselves against it—trust to chance and waiting forgains without pains.对牛弹琴—play music to an ox—cast pearls before swine.Most of the allusions come into being according to china’s long history. That’s why many foreigners find it hard to know comprehensively about Chinese language and culture. Nevertheless, there are some equivalents between these two different cultures. For example, in Chinese , there is an allusion called “画蛇添足” , in English, there is a similar proverb called gilding the lily. What’s more, it takes two to make a quarrel can be found in Chinese 一个巴掌拍不响. Hopefully, these make it easier to understand each other’s culture.In short, language in different cultures is hard to understand to most foreigners. The only thing to do is try one’s best to know more about each other’s culture, including all walks of life.。
语言文化的关系英文作文
语言文化的关系英文作文英文：The relationship between language and culture is a complex and multifaceted one. Language is not only a means of communication, but also a reflection of the culture and values of a society. As a language model, it reflects the way people think and perceive the world around them.For example, in English, there are many idiomatic expressions that reflect the culture and values of the society. For instance, the phrase "time is money" reflects the importance of efficiency and productivity in American culture. Similarly, the phrase "actions speak louder than words" reflects the value placed on action and results over talk and promises.On the other hand, culture also influences language. The way people use language is shaped by their cultural norms and beliefs. For example, in Chinese culture, thereis a strong emphasis on politeness and respect for authority. This is reflected in the use of honorifics and formal language in Chinese communication.In addition, language also plays a role in shaping and reinforcing cultural stereotypes and biases. For example, the use of derogatory terms for certain groups of people can perpetuate negative attitudes and beliefs about those groups.Overall, the relationship between language and culture is a complex and dynamic one. Language reflects and reinforces cultural norms and values, while culture shapes the way language is used and perceived.中文：语言和文化之间的关系是一个复杂而多方面的问题。
用英语介绍汉语言文学作文
用英语介绍汉语言文学作文English:Chinese language and literature composition is a multifaceted field that encompasses a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and linguistic elements. At its core, Chinese language and literature composition involves the exploration and analysis of classical and modern Chinese texts, ranging from ancient poetry and philosophical writings to contemporary novels and essays. Students delve into the nuances of Chinese grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, while also gaining insights into the cultural context and historical background that shape these literary works. Through the study of Chinese language and literature composition, students not only refine their language skills but also develop a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, traditions, and values. Moreover, this discipline fosters critical thinking and analytical abilities, as students learn to interpret and evaluate texts from different perspectives, considering their aesthetic, thematic, and ideological dimensions. Ultimately, Chinese language and literature composition serves as a gateway to the rich heritage of Chinese civilization, offering students a pathway to engage with and appreciate the profound literary achievements of the Chinese people.Translated content:汉语言文学作文是一个多方面的领域，涵盖了丰富的历史、文化和语言元素。
Relationship-between-Language-and-Culture-语言和文化的关系
The Relationship between Language and CultureLanguage Phenomenon：Due to the differences between Chinese and western culture tradition and customs，the way of greeting is, of course，not the same. Because China is a long period of farming community, there is lot of ‘food' in the daily expression。
When people meet with each other，they will say ‘have you eaten？’ for greeting. This way of greeting is just the same as 'hi’ or ‘hello’ in western country. In China，it is a common way to say ‘hello’，but the western people do not think so。
They may think this greeting seems to be saying:' I have nothing to eat。
Come on. Let’s go to eat something.’ Or ‘I was going to ask you to my house for a dinner.’ All in all，this means that say ‘hello' invitation to dinner sometimes。
Another way of greeting in china is’ where are you going?'or ‘where have you been?' In China, this greeting is just polite formula。
英语作文法国语言文化
英语作文法国语言文化{z}French Language and CultureThe French language, known for its elegance and richness, is spoken by approximately 360 million people worldwide.It is the third most spoken language in the European Union and the second most popular language for international communication.French is not only spoken in France but also in many other countries across the globe, including Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean.French is a romance language that originated in France and has since spread to various parts of the world.The language has a rich literary heritage, with famous authors such as Voltaire, Flaubert, and Proust.French literature has influenced many other cultures and continues to be popular among readers worldwide.In addition to its literature, French cuisine is also world-renowned.French cooking is known for its precision and attention to detail, with a focus on fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations.Dishes such as coq au Vin, escargots, and croissants are enjoyed by people all over the world.French culture is also known for its fashion industry, which is considered one of the most influential in the world.French fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton are iconic and have a long history of producing high-quality clothing and accessories.The French are also known for their appreciation of the arts, with painting, sculpture, and music being highly valued.Some of the most famous French artists include Picasso, Monet, and Renoir.French music, especially chanson, has also had a significant impact on the music industry worldwide.In terms of grammar, French has a more complex system of verb tenses and moods compared to English.It also has a rich vocabulary that has been influenced by Latin, Greek, and other languages.French uses gender-specific articles, with "le" for masculine nouns and "la" for feminine nouns.In conclusion, the French language and culture are diverse and fascinating, with a rich history and a strong influence on many other cultures around the world.From its literature and cuisine to its fashion and art, French culture continues to captivate and inspire people worldwide.。
英美文化差异论文
英美文化差异论文摘要文化是一个复合体，其中包括知识、信仰、艺术、法律、道德、风俗以及人作为社会成员而获得的任何其他能力和习惯。
交际的过程是人们运用语言知识和社会文化知识传递信息的过程，所以学习语言与了解语言所反映的文化背景知识是分不开的。
了解英语文化知识，有助于交际畅通并有效地进行。
相反，缺乏了解英语文化背景知识必然导致交际障碍，冲突和误解。
我的论文所谈的不是因为语法结构出错而导致的词不达意，而且指说话方式的不妥，或不符合表达的习惯，或说得不合时宜。
说话人未能按照英美人的社会风俗习惯来交谈所造成的失误。
交际文化涉及面非常广，从日常见面问候、称赞、致谢、道歉到了解掌握委婉语、禁忌语乃至体态语言等，所以我们要在培养学生英语语言能力的同时，更多地让同学们识别和了解英汉两种交际文化的差异。
让我们更深入的学习英语，了解英语文化的背景和我们学习英语息息相关。
让更多的中国英语使用者在跨文化交际中意识到文化差异的存在，从而知道如何避免由于这种差异带来不必要的冲突，误解和尴尬，让他们在跨文化交际中能进行无障碍的交流。
关键词: 文化差异语言能力文化背景跨文化iAbstractCulture is a complex, including knowledge and belief, art, morals, law, custom, and members of the society who acquired as any other capabilities and habits.The process of communication is people use the language knowledge and social and cultural knowledge transfer information process, so learning language and understanding language reflect the cultural background knowledge is not divided.Understanding of English culture knowledge, help communication unblocked and efficient manner. Instead, lack of understanding of English cultural background knowledge will inevitably lead to communication barriers, conflict and misunderstanding.My thesis not because they are talking to grammar mistakes, and refers to the way the thought of not satisfactory, or do not accord with the habit of expression, or, to be out of date.Speaker fails to the Anglo-American social custom caused by mistake to talk. Range is very wide, communication culture from daily greetings, praise, meet thanks, apologize to the understanding of the euphemism, taboo language and even posture language etc, so we should in training students’ English language ability, meanwhile, more let classmates recognition and understanding of the two communicative English and Chinese cultural difference.Let us more in-depth study English, understand English culture background and we learn English is closely linked. Let more Chinese English speakers in cross-cultural communication is aware of the cultural differences, and know how to avoid unnecessary because the difference of conflict, and misunderstandings and embarrassed, let themin cross-cultural communication can for freely.Keywords: cultural differences language ability cultural background cross-culturaliiContents摘要 (i)Abstract (ii)1 Introduction (1)2 The Purpose and Meaning of this Research (3)2.1 The Purpose (3)2.2 The Meaning (3)3 Comparison of the Traditional Cultures (5)3.1 Chinese V alues and Beliefs (5)3.1.1 V alues of Collectivism and Harmony (5)3.1.2 Hierarchy and Humility (5)3.1.3 Courtesy /Good Manners (5)3.2 American V alues and Beliefs (6)3.2.1 Individual Freedom and Self-Reliance (6)3.2.2 Equality of Opportunity and Competition..............................................................错误！未定义书签。
【英语听力】Language and Culture 语言和文化
Language and Culture语言和文化Languages are marvelously complex语言是极其复杂and wonderfully complicated organs of culture:难解的文化工具：they embody the quickest and the most efficientmeans of communicating 它们是最快捷最有效的交流思想的方法within their respective culture.在各文化中。
To learn a foreign language is to learn another culture.学习外语就等于学习另一种文化。
In a words of a poet and philosopher,一位诗人兼哲学家曾经这样说过："As many languages as one speaks, so many lives one lives.""你懂几种外语，你就过着几种不同的生活。
"A culture and its language are as inseparable as brain and body;文化及其语言正像人脑与人体一样不可分割。
while one is a part of the other,neither can function without the other. 虽然其中一个是另一个的部分，但是失去一部分，另一部分就不能运作。
In learning a foreign language, the best beginning学习外语最好的开始是is with the non- verbal linguistic elements of the language,从这种语言的非语言的语言成分开始，its gestures,its body language.即从手势，体语开始。
英语作文法国语言文化
英语作文法国语言文化【中英文实用版】**English Composition: The Language and Culture of France**France, a country renowned for its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant culture, also boasts a language that has captivated the world.French, often called the "language of love," is not only spoken in France but across the globe, from Canada to parts of Africa.The influence of French language and culture is profound and far-reaching.The French language is elegance personified.Its romantic connotations and melodic intonations make it a delight to listen to.French literature has produced some of the most celebrated works, from the sonnets of Rimbaud to the plays of Molière.The language"s structure and syntax are intricate, reflecting the French people"s attention to detail and appreciation for the aesthetic.Cultural aspects of France are equally captivating.The country"s culinary tradition is legendary, with dishes like coq au vin and croissants being world-famous.French cuisine is not just food; it is an art form, a celebration of flavors, and an integral part of French identity.The appreciation for good food is deeply ingrained in the culture, and the French take pride in their long culinary history.France is also the birthplace of impressionism and surrealism, movements that revolutionized the art world.Artists like Monet, Renoir,and Dali have left an indelible mark on the global art scene.French cinema, too, has made significant contributions, with the works of auteurs like Godard and Truffaut still inspiring filmmakers today.Moreover, French culture values the art of conversation.Caféculture is an essential part of daily life, where people gather to discuss philosophy, politics, and literature.The emphasis on intellectual discourse is a hallmark of French society, fostering a deep respect for knowledge and ideas.In conclusion, the language and culture of France are a treasure trove waiting to be explored.From the lyrical quality of the French language to the richness of its cultural heritage, France offers a world of discovery that enthralls and inspires.**中文作文：法国的语言文化**法国，一个以丰富历史、精致美食和充满活力的文化著称的国家，其语言也令世界为之着迷。
Language and Culture
Language and CultureAs we all know, language is very important in our lives. Without it we cannot express ourselves , communicate with each other , even the society will not operate . Language is the carrier of culture , the main expressional form of culture , which develops along with nation , country and society’s development . It is a part of a nation’s culture . So the different nationality has different culture .This article will introduce the relationship between English language and culture briefly.Firstly, I think it is essential to say the development of English language . Like Chinese language, English language is also has its development process. It consists of three stages , that is ,Old English, Middle English and Modern English. Firstly, Old English was from 500BC to 1066AD.The development of this stage was along with the conquest of foreign. Secondly, Middle English was from 1066AD until the 15th century .Thirdly, Modern English which we have been learning has been from the 15th century to now. And basically , we can only read Modern English partly .I can get a conclusion from the information I collected. Language isa mirror , in front of which culture is reflected . As we know, language is a kind of tool which is used for communication. And in a broad sense, culture means the total way of a people, including the patterns of belief, customs, objects, institutions, techniques, and language that characterizesthe life of the human community. And I think when we learn English, we must be familiar with its culture . Otherwise , there will be a lot of chinglish .This form is bad for the exchange between Chinese and English culture . In a word , language is an important part of culture, and the development of culture is inseparable from language.As language involves a lot of aspects , I want to only take a small pointcut to write here. Now let me take the geographic culture as an example to describe concretely .In our class we learned many idioms about boat .For example, keep one’s boat above water , to put in one’s oar, to clear the decks ,and so on .Boat is important in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. We can see that Britain is located in the Atlantic coast on the map. And it is close to Butterworth. At the same time , we know that there is the English channel between Britain and France. So we can get the conclusion that Britain is surrounded by water. And before the plane produced , people who were in Britain had to go abroad by boat . It is obvious that the situation is different from China . We can go some other countries by a carriage . As the development of science and technology , shipbuilding has been developed more and more. It provided convenience for people who would go to travel. We can see the importance of boat in Britain which is an island country. And for this geographic culture , many idioms involveboat. We can say that it is the cultural which impact the English language . On the other hand, the English language reflects the culture.In a word , language and culture are closely related to and depend on each other. Language is so important in the development of human’s history that we cannot neglect its effect .In modern world, we should not only learn our language well, but also to learn English, this most important language well .And in our studying , we should know its culture too. Just as the relationship between language and culture , we can learn English well only if we know its culture clearly .。
Language and Culture
Language and CultureSince culture is defined succinctly as “the totality of beliefs and practices of a society,” nothing is of greater strategic importance than the language through which its beliefs are expressed and transmitted and by which most interaction of its members takes place.语言和文化文化被简洁地定义为“一个社会信仰和实践的总和”，那么语言，作为表达和传播信仰以及社会成员交流的工具，没什么比它更具有战略意义的了。
The relation between language and culture would not constitute such serious difficulties for cross-cultural understanding if it were not for the numerous misconceptions about language and its function within a society. Perhaps the most serious misconception is the idea that each language more or less controls the way people think, sometimes expressed as “We think the way we think because we talk the way we talk.” It is true that the particular structures of a language (sounds, lexemes, syntax, and discourse patterns) may reflect to a certain degree the way people think and they may be said to form “the ruts or paths for thinking,” but they do not determine what or how people must think. Languages are too open-ended and human imagination is too creative to ever be rigidly ruled by the regulations of syntax or of any other feature of language.如果不是社会上关于语言及其功能上很诸多误解，语言和文化之间不会构成如此严重的跨文化理解方面的困难。
语言是文化的重要组成部分英语作文
语言是文化的重要组成部分英语作文Language is an integral part of culture. It shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and interactions with the world. When we speak or write in a particular language, we are not just conveying information; we are also expressing our identity and values. Language is a reflection of who we are as individuals and as members of a larger community.One of the key aspects of language and culture is the way in which they are interconnected. Language is not simply a means of communication; it also carries the history, traditions, and worldview of a particular group of people. For example, the English language reflects the cultural heritage of the Anglo-Saxon tribes that once inhabited Britain. Through its vocabulary, grammar, and idioms, English provides insights into the values and experiences of those who spoke it.Furthermore, language can serve as a barrier or bridge between different cultures. When people from different linguistic backgrounds come together, they may facechallenges in understanding each other due to differencesin vocabulary, pronunciation, or grammar. However, learning each other's languages can also create opportunities for greater understanding and empathy. By speaking someoneelse's language, we show respect for their culture and open up new channels for communication and collaboration.In addition to shaping our interactions with others, language also influences our internal thought processes. The words we use to describe the world around us can affect how we perceive reality and make decisions. Different languages have unique ways of categorizing and expressing concepts, which can lead speakers to think about issues in distinct ways. For instance, some languages have specific words for emotions or experiences that do not exist in other languages.Moreover, language plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and identity. Many indigenous communities around the world rely on oral traditions to pass down knowledge and stories from generation to generation. By speaking their native languages, these communities maintaina connection to their ancestors and ensure that their cultural practices continue to thrive.Ultimately, language is more than just a tool for communication; it is a living embodiment of culture itself. Through language, we express our values, beliefs, creativity, and humanity. As global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world, it is essential that we recognize the importance of respecting linguistic diversity and promoting cross-cultural understanding through communication.In conclusion, language serves as a powerful medium through which culture is transmitted and preserved. By embracing linguistic diversity and valuing different ways of expression, we can foster mutual respect and appreciation across borders. Language connects us not only through words but also through shared meanings and experiences that shape our identities as individuals and communities alike.。
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The language and the social cultureIntroduction语言和文化均属于社会现象，语言是社会文化的要素之一，是文化的载体，文化通过语言的存储与传播而时代相传，两者关系密切。
语言是在一定的文化背景中使用的，语言的使用受到文化的制约，不同的语言反映了不同的民族文化差异。
由于各个民族的地理位置、历史发展、思维方式、生活习惯、价值观念、宗教信仰等不同，从而形成了不同的文化规范，即所谓的文化差异。
文化教会人们如何使用语言，而某些语言形式只有在特定的文化背景中，才能产生相关的语言交际意义。
如中国文化经常采取自贬或否定形式回答称赞以示谦虚，而英语民族则采取肯定形式，回答“Thankyou.”。
交际能力既包括了四种语言能力（听、说、读、写），又包括了社会文化能力，即能够与另一种文化的人进行和谐交际的能力。
在跨文化背景的语言学习环境中，最大的障碍是文化差异带来得影响。
所以，缺乏文化的了解，必然会造成交际的无法顺利进行。
Body众所周知，人是社会群体组成的主要部分，是人的存在构成了整个社会的形成。
从而，一个人说话，交际方式，甚至是生活的习惯，都与之相处的环境是息息相关的。
同时，一个人的言行举止，也必然会受到周围环境的影响。
不难得知，所谓的交际过程是人们运用语言知识和社会文化知识传递信息的过程。
而两个来自于不同区域的人，深受自己所在环境的影响，不管是在说话，处事，生活习俗上，都会存在着极大的差异，所以学习语言与了解语言所反映的文化背景知识是分不开的。
Because the cultural background is different, hold the person of dissimilarity languageat confabulation, even the language be without any error accurate, will also producemisconstruction. Usually say because of a words can not body, make the hearer hold thebelly cachinnation.The language reflects a characteristic of race and it not only includes history andcultural background of that race, but also contains that viewpoint, life style and mode ofthinking of race to life.An inside country youth arrives a nearby swimming pool to swim, in a short whilecame back, a foreigner ask why, his explanationsay:” Personin the swimming pool is toomany and water is too dirty, early should change. Be like the sesame sauce cooksdumpling.” AnotherChinese youth smiled, but that foreigner doesn't know that whatsesame sauce is at all with cook dumpling. The basic felling doesn't arrive the slightesthumor. Often said when Chinese met to say "hello" eachother:” Didyoueat?” Buttheforeigner will think that this kind of hello is tosay:” Ialso didn't eat and let's walk to eatsome thingtogether!” Thiskind of hello thinks that invites other people to have a meal.Also ever foreign scholars stammer Ba Di4 who just got to China said with the Chineselanguage:” Youwhy old ask me have already eaten? I am rich." There is Good morning inEnglish, Good afternoon, "you good" in the all equal to Chinese language of the Goodevening. But Good noon, all of Good nights is take leave say of words. At the UnitedStates, often hear the American women talk how the work of her husband make greateffort and do so outstanding, get reward etc..Would also the Kua how intelligent etc. ofown sons and daughters. An American university starts the Chinese language vernacularspeech traing class, there are two teachers to teach and their native languages' talk isn'tall Chinese language. While have a class, the male teacher points oneself tosay:” Isthis athing?” Thefemale teacher shakes tosay:” Youaren't athing.” Themale teacher asksagain:” Areyou athing?” Thefemale teachers answer:” No, I am not a thing."The Chinese perhaps will guess a ball in a shop(the inside of the porcelain store ofbull) but imagine not speak English publ ic eyes in ofimage’shead of cow sprays breath,enraged bull intrude into the inside of the store of put the full beautiful scenery china.However, the meaning of this kind of parlance BE:At an in proper form with cleverdemand bearing, the meticulous careful and attentive situation intrudes into a person withstupid behavior.In the Chinese culture, the turtle has two kinds of meanings:On the other handsymbolize longevity, and then call names on the other hand. But didn't associate so in thewestern culture, tortoise however is activity slow-moving, ugly animal just.由于文化背景不同，操不同语言的人在交谈时，即使语言准确无误，也会产生误会。
常常由于一句话说得不得体，使听者捧腹大笑.语言反映一个民族的特征，它不仅包含着该民族的历史和文化背景，而且蕴藏着该民族对人生的看法、生活方式和思维方式。
语言与文化互相影响，互相作用;理解语言必须了解文化，理解文化必须了解语言。
通过各种渠道，我了解到了更多有关于语言与文化方面的知识。
由于文化上的差异，在外国演讲的人经常发现听众对他讲的某个笑话毫无反映。
然而在国内同一个笑话会使听众笑的人仰马翻。
一个中国青年到附近游泳池游泳，一会儿就回来了，一个外国人问为什么，他解释说：“游泳池里人太多，水太脏，早该换了。
像芝麻酱煮饺子。
”另一个中国青年笑了，而那个外国人根本不知道什么是芝麻酱和煮饺子。
根本感觉不到丝毫幽默。
中国人见面互相打招呼时，常说：“你吃了吗？”而外国人会以为这种招呼是说：“我也没有吃，我们一起走吃点东西吧！”这种招呼以为只邀请别人来吃饭。
也曾经一位刚到中国的外国学者结巴巴地用汉语说：“你们为什么老问我吃了没有？我有钱。
” 英语中有Goodmorning，Goodafternoon，Goodevening都相当于汉语中的“您好”。
但Goodnoon，Goodnight都是告别时说的话。
在美国，常会听到美国妇女谈她丈夫工作如何努力，干得这样出色，得到奖励等。
也会夸自己的子女多么聪明等。
然而在中国就会认为这样俗气。
一所美国大学开办汉语口语训练班，有两位教师来教，他们的本族语言都不是汉语。
上课时，男老师指指自己说：“这是东西吗？”女教师摇摇头说：“你不是东西。
”男教师又问：“你是东西吗？”女教师回答：“不，我不是东西。
”中国人也许会猜得出a ball in a shop（瓷店里的公牛）但想象不出说英语人心目中的形象：一头牛喷着鼻息，怒气冲冲地公牛闯进摆满景致瓷器的店里。
然而，这种说法的意思是：在一个需要举止灵巧得体，细致周密的场合闯进一个行为粗鲁的人。
在中国文化中，龟有两种意义：一方面象征长寿，另一方面则是骂人。
但是在西方文化中没有这样联想，乌龟不过是行动缓慢，其貌不扬的动物而已。
对于中国来说，蝙蝠是吉祥，健康，幸福的象征。
这些联想可能来字蝙蝠的名称——蝠与福同音。