I think understanding the culture of a country goes hand in hand with learning the country's language. Language is something that is tied to culture and so it is important to learn how they contribute to each other.
For example, informal vs. formal. This is a cultural difference. Since Americans don't have any distinct formal/informal language, learning about cultural differences is beneficial for someone who will be going abroad to their target country. I know in Korea that informal and formal language is extremely important. It is frowned upon to speak to someone who is older than you informally. My purpose for learning this language is so I can immerse myself into Korean culture and society. By not understanding their traditions and cultural differences, I feel that I will always be seen as the foreigner or outsider. That is not the type of experience I want to have. The significant thing I've learned is that it's not just about what you say, but also how you say it.
Culture is embedded in language. The 'evolution' of language stems from cultural changes and shifts. New words and phrases are invented to fit the culture of one society. Language can reflect a certain time period or era. This representation not only bears a certain time period, but also the cultural aspects of a society. It proposes a means of comparison and understanding of the past in terms of language and culture. This is significant because it offers an interesting, 'timeline' sort of perspective of language and culture. Without access to past language and cultural ties, one cannot distinguish those language and culture shifts throughout a society's history.
This week my language partner and I worked on introductions with another student who was sitting in on the class. We just learned some conversations that were available in the textbook. I learned to say that I am a student, a sophomore, what my major is, my age and other phrases. I also learned how to ask questions about another person's name, age, grade and major. It was nice starting at the very beginning. I do know a little bit of very basic Korean and starting from the beginning really filled in the holes for the things I didn't know.
Comments