Language, Culture Society
Language, Culture & Society
Language is a System of symbols symbols are objects, events, speech sounds, written forms, gestures, which humans attach meaning Symbols operate in changing fields of social relationships symbols are multivocal --ena bles a wide range of groups individuals to relate to the same symbol in a variety of ways
Language is a System of Symbols • symbols are objects, events, speech sounds, written forms, gestures, which humans attach meaning • Symbols operate in changing fields of social relationships • symbols are multivocal -- enables a wide range of groups & individuals to relate to the same symbol in a variety of ways
Language in its Social Cultural Settings Does language influence the perception of reality and cultural behavior? Does language reflect reality in a culture? Or is it both?
Language in its Social & Cultural Settings • Does language influence the perception of reality and cultural behavior? • Does language reflect reality in a culture? • Or, is it both?
LINGUISTIC RELATIVISM and DETERMINISM Edward Sapir/Benjamin Lee Whorf - the"Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis language culture intrinsically linked language is a guide to social reality. it powerfull conditions all our thinking about social problems and processes
LINGUISTIC RELATIVISM and DETERMINISM • Edward Sapir/Benjamin Lee Whorf – the “Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis” • language & culture intrinsically linked • "language is a guide to social reality... it powerfully conditions all our thinking about social problems and processes
Language and Thought Sapir-Whorf hypothesis Language predisposes people to see the world in a certain way guiding behavior Lang uage reflects reality Rich vocabulary reflects a cultural
Language and Thought • Sapir-Whorf hypothesis • Language predisposes people to see the world in a certain way guiding behavior • Language reflects reality • Rich vocabulary reflects a cultural focus