Introduction
Culture and language have been viewed as two complementary aspects. Existence of a relationship between culture and language was pointed out early by Edward Sapir (1884 to 1939) and Benjamin Whorf (1897 to 1941). This paper will show how language reflects culture and worldview. This is done by carrying out a review of three articles which discuss the relationship between culture and language. Practical examples are quoted throughout the paper to show the relationship.
Culture and Language
Language Displays Culture
(Language Development in Early Childhood by Otto Beverly)
Otto (2010) pointed out the existence of a tight relationship between language and culture. He stated that according to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, language plays a significant role in our thinking patterns and perspective of views (Otto, 2010). Similar views were aired by Chistyakov (2009). Chistyakov (2009) stated that “not only are languages different but the world views of different cultures are also reflected in the languages” (1). Otto (2010) pointed out that while some languages have definite words for some for some concepts other do not and as such use several words to mean a given concept. It was pointed out that the Arabic language has specific words for some type of horse while the English language does not have such words inviting the use of adjectives to indicate the meaning (Otto, 2010).
In some cases some languages have words for some concepts while other languages do not have words for the same. A good example of a word which does not exist in other languages is the word karoshi which is a Japanese word for death by overwork. In most languages a word for death by overwork does not exist. It is reported that karoshi first occurred in 1969 in Japan. Existence of the word karoshi in the Japanese language has been associated with the culture of hard work by the Japanese so as to support their families (Chistyakov, 2009). It can also be argued that the worldview which this word communicates is that the breadwinner of a family has to do all he/she can to support his family. Seemingly it is an indication that laziness is a shame and a person is expected to focus all the strength on providing for the family.
Language and Culture Develops each other
(More than just Mirror effect – Language Reflects Culture by Chistyakov Boris)
It was pointed out that language intimately relates with culture. Apart from mirror imaging each other, it was claimed that the two develop and enrich each other. It was claimed that “culture began when speech began” (Chistyakov, 2009, p. 1). Furthermore was believed that for one to fully understand culture it is mandatory to have a good comprehension of the language. Culture cannot be passed down without the use of language; “Culture is transmitted to one generation to another through language, whether it is verbal or non-verbal, through gestures and signs, orally or in writing” (Chistyakov, 2009, p. 1). As an example Chistyakov (2009) pointed out that Koreans or Africans may not understand the concept of Santa Clause1 as it is not passed down in their cultures. It is known that the military especially when in official duties have their own language which if one understands will get to understand the culture of military personnel. The use of the word ‘sir’ is very common in military settings unlike in the civil settings. This indicates that respect is highly esteemed in military settings.
A Language tells more of a Culture
(Language reflects culture by Ojibway Margaret)
It was pointed out that by carefully examining a language it is possible to point out the significant aspects of a culture. It is claimed that language preserves the important aspects of a culture; “Things that have little significance within the culture are either ignored or the things are lumped into large groups” (Ojibway, n.d., p. 23). An example given was that of the Saulteaux language in which the word ‘otapan’ is a general word for cars. In the English language however there are different words for different cars. The implication of this is that in the English culture cars played significant roles unlike in the Saulteaux culture. A similar example to display the same concept can be found in the Inuit culture. It was reported that the Inuit languages have many words for snow whereby each word describes in details a different type of snow. The implication of this is that snow forms part of the Inuit culture. Concerning the Inuit people it has been reported that “their very lives revolves around snow” (Ojibway, n.d., p. 23).
Conclusion
Language and culture are closely related and have been described to be mirror images. Language displays the culture of a people. By carefully examining a language it is possible to point out what is significant to a given culture. Language preserves a culture by passing it down to other generations. Significant concepts in a culture are preserved through the language and passed down while less significant concepts are shallowly defined. Culture and language coexist and so cannot be separated.
References
Chistyakov, B. (2009). More than just Mirror effect – Language Reflects Culture.Ezine Articles. Web.
Ojibway, M. (n.d.). Language reflects Culture. Saskatchewan Indian Federal College. Web.
Otto, B. (2010). Language Development in Early Childhood. New York, NY: Merrill.
Footnotes
- The legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas.