Influence of language on culture and country studies

Influence of language on culture and country studies

Annotation: Comprehending the mutual effect of culture and language is crucial in the global society of today. Language shapes how people interact, communicate, and make sense of their environment. It is an essential component of culture. Therefore, understanding how culture forms and impacts language promotes language preservation as a way to celebrate variety and helps people understand and respect varied cultures. It also makes it easier for them to interact with people from different backgrounds.

Keywords: language, culture, country studies, intercultural communication.

The relevance of the scientific article: Exploring the impact of language on culture and country studies in a globalized world, considering linguistic nuances and their role in shaping societal norms and behaviors.

The aim of the scientific article: To investigate and analyze the intricate relationship between language, culture, and country studies, aiming to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to cultural diversity and societal dynamics.

The hypothesis: If language plays a significant role in shaping cultural norms and societal behaviors, then variations in language usage within different countries should result in distinct cultural practices. This is because language serves as a primary medium through which values, traditions, and social expectations are transmitted and reinforced within a given cultural context.

The scientific novelty: This article presents a novel approach by integrating linguistic analysis with cultural and country studies, offering a fresh perspective on how language intricacies contribute to the uniqueness of cultures and societies.

Language's impact on culture and nation studies investigates how a language both creates and reflects a society's identity. Language reveals values, customs, and distinct viewpoints in addition to being a means of communication. Any people's or any community's language is an essential component of their culture. It conveys and reflects that culture's identity, values, customs, and conventions. Language is a carrier and preserver of cultural history in addition to being a tool for communication. Every language has distinct qualities that are a reflection of the particular society in which it originated. Certain phrases or expressions in a language, for instance, could allude to certain facets of a culture, including customs, religion, cuisine, etc. It's possible that some terms and expressions belong to a distinct culture since they lack a clear translation in another language. Furthermore, language also conveys prejudices and cultural standards. For instance, the employment of particular forms of address or phrases in language reflects cultural norms on politeness and respect. Furthermore, preconceptions and opinions about various groups of individuals based on their cultural backgrounds might be reflected in language.

Culture and language have an impact on one another and are connected. Culture shapes the formation and development of language, which in turn shapes people's thoughts, worldviews, and behaviours. Language reflects cultural values and conventions via word choice, phrases, and grammatical structures. Language serves as a cultural key in their interaction, providing insights into the intricate fabric of a nation's identity and aiding in the deciphering of societal nuances. Studying language and culture together helps us recognise differences, communicate across cultural boundaries, and have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for other people's traditions. By enabling us to see and value the cultural distinctions and similarities, an awareness of how language reflects culture fosters tolerance and understanding among people.

In science, such a unified field of study is called general country studies. When applied to a particular country and culture, it is specified: UK country studies, US country studies, German country studies, etc. For whom is it important and necessary to study these disciplines? First of all, for those people who, due to circumstances, have to visit another country for various purposes: business, cultural, etc. In this case, the need to learn about the culture of another country. In this case, the need to know the culture of another country is also actualized because such contacts are often connected with a person's professional activity.

Knowledge of the culture of another country is of special importance for the foreign language teacher, because he/she is the guide for children into the world of foreign culture. The tasks of his/her activity include the creation of conditions for the optimal introduction of children to the "other" culture and the realization of the educational potential inherent in the very phenomenon of "the culture of the country of the target language".

Linguocountry studies is an academic discipline that aims to assist students in mastering the culture of a foreign language by employing a language that is not native to the country where the language is being studied.

A person born and raised in A culture internalizes it, as psychologists' studies have shown, as early as in childhood. As for the language, the assimilation of basic constructions and vocabulary is completed by the age of 10-11. The assimilation of national culture is an indispensable component of a child's socialization.

The assimilation of foreign culture can also take place in adulthood, when a person, due to circumstances, changes his/her place of residence (country), finds himself/herself in another culture and is forced to adapt to it. Such a process is called acculturation in science [1, p 11]. In the conditions of immigration there are cases of full acculturation (in childhood a child enters another country and fully adapts to life in different conditions) and partial acculturation (provided that language and national culture are preserved in several generations of immigrants). A vivid example is the Russian community of Old Believers in Brazil, which has preserved the peculiarities of Russian culture (clothes, traditions, special dialect), or the Russian-speaking neighborhood of Brighton Beach in New York. In the case of forgetting one's native language and culture, assimilation with a foreign culture occurs. The person who possesses cultures A (his/her own) and B (foreign) is called in sociology a person at the boundary of cultures.

Besides natural acculturation and assimilation, such processes can take place in artificial conditions, which, first of all, include teaching. Studying a foreign language and the basics of foreign language culture, a pupil or a student enters the world of another culture, hence acculturation takes place, which can be quite effective in case of positive motivation and correctly organized learning process. In fact, the whole foreign language teaching should take place under the sign of personality formation at the turn of cultures. Such a person should be ready for intercultural communication, which means mutual understanding of two participants of the communicative act belonging to different national cultures.

It is quite obvious that the main components of the personality at the turn of cultures should be the mastery of a foreign language, allowing to ensure understanding at a sufficiently high level, as well as the range of knowledge about the "other" culture, maximally reducing the divergence of cultures. There is another term in science, which is close to the concept of "personality at the turn of cultures" - "secondary linguistic personality", i.e., "the totality of a person's abilities to foreign language communication at the intercultural level, which is understood as adequate interaction with representatives of other cultures" [2, p 64].

Language and cultural identity

Language plays an important role in the formation and expression of cultural identity. It is not only a means of communication, but also a reflection of the values, traditions and lifestyle of a particular cultural group. Each culture has its own unique language that differs from other languages in its grammar, vocabulary and phonetics. These language features reflect the specific traits and values of the culture.

For example, in Japanese, there are many polite forms of address that reflect the respect and hierarchical structure of Japanese society. In English, on the other hand, the use of forms of address is not as strictly regulated, reflecting a more individualistic culture. Language can also reflect historical and social aspects of a culture. For example, in Kazakh, there are many words associated with Kazakh history, culture and traditions. These words reflect the rich heritage and identity of Kazakh culture.

Cultural identity can also be expressed through dialects and accents in the language. For example, in the English language, there are different dialects such as British, American, Australian, etc. Each of these dialects reflects the unique features and identity of the respective culture.

Cultural identity can also be expressed through the use of specific expressions, proverbs and sayings. These expressions reflect unique aspects of a culture and may not be understood by speakers of other languages and cultures. In general, language and cultural identity are closely related. Language reflects the values, traditions and history of a culture, and cultural identity can be expressed through the characteristics of language. Therefore, the study of language and culture is important for understanding and respecting different cultural groups and their identities [3].

Language and specific cultural words

The influence of culture on language can be seen through examples of certain words that are specific to the region that defines its culture.

1. A prime example can be found in the United States where words meaning " all of you" are used. Each variation of this phrase represents a dialect that easily identifies a region.

South: Y'all (y'all or awe, a Scots-Irish derivative).

Appalachians: You'uns.

Pennsylvania: Yinz (derived from the phrase you one)

North: Youse (pluralized from the pronoun you).

North: You guys (simplest form inclusive).

2. In Pormpurao, a remote Aboriginal community in Australia, indigenous languages do not use terms such as "left" and "right". Instead, the directions of the sides of the world (North, South, East, West) are used. Therefore, you may hear: "there is an ant on your southwest leg". Or one asks: "Where are you going?", and an appropriate answer might be: "a long way to the southwest."

Examples of mixed cultures and languages

Other cultural languages developed in different regions of the South, such as Cajun, which was a mixture of Spanish Basque, French of Louisiana, and Spanish of the Canary Islanders. Another language that was developed to express the mixed culture is Gullah. The word Gullah for all of you is oonuh (plural of you). The Gullah culture is found along the islands and coasts of South Carolina and Georgia. The Gullah language is a mixture of English, Central African and West African languages. It is very different from the other languages of the southern culture.

Language and culture depend on each other. When events and experiences occur in a culture, language is used to express them. To an outsider, the words that emerge from cultural experience have no meaning, but to an insider, the words resonate in an oral tradition little different from storytelling. This example illustrates the need to understand a culture, not just its language.

The impact of language on culture

Language is an integral part of culture and has a significant impact on its formation and development. The relationship between language and culture is manifested in several aspects:

Reflection of cultural values and perceptions

Language reflects the cultural values, perceptions and attitudes of a society. Concepts that have special meaning in a culture often have their unique expressions and metaphors in language. For example, in some cultures, the sun may be a symbol of life and energy, and this may be reflected in the use of appropriate metaphors and expressions in language.

Formation of cultural stereotypes

Language plays an important role in the formation of cultural stereotypes. It may contain certain words, expressions or phrases that are associated with certain cultural groups or nationalities. These stereotypes can influence people's perceptions and attitudes towards other cultures.

Defining cultural norms and rules

Language defines cultural norms and rules of communication. It determines what forms of address to use in different situations, what topics are considered acceptable to discuss, what expressions are considered polite or rude, etc. Knowledge of these norms and rules is an important aspect of intercultural communication.

Preservation and transmission of cultural traditions

Language plays a role in the preservation and transmission of cultural traditions. It serves as a means of transmitting and preserving historical information, myths, legends, customs and rituals. Language also helps to preserve unique cultural nuances and characteristics that may be lost in the process of globalization.

Overall, the influence of language on culture is a reciprocal and interrelated process. Language reflects and shapes culture, and culture influences the development and change of language. Studying this relationship helps us to better understand and appreciate the differences and similarities between cultures and contributes to the development of intercultural communication and mutual understanding.

Language plays a crucial role in country studies. Let's delve into the influence of language on country studies with real examples:

1. Historical Context in German:

- Example: The German language reflects the historical division of East and West Germany. Terms and expressions evolved differently during the Cold War era, offering linguistic insights into the country's reunification and shared history.

2. Cultural Nuances in Japanese:

- Example: The Japanese language employs different levels of politeness, showcasing the significance of social hierarchy. The use of honorifics and specific phrases reflects cultural values, emphasizing respect and etiquette.

3. Social Structure in Hindi:

- Example: In India, Hindi serves as a key language, but variations in vocabulary and speech patterns can signify social hierarchies. Different linguistic forms may be used when addressing individuals of varying age, status, or familiarity.

4. Emotional Expression in Russian:

- Example: Russian, with its extensive vocabulary for expressing emotions, provides a linguistic landscape for understanding the Russian soul. The language allows for nuanced descriptions of feelings, offering a glimpse into the emotional fabric of the society.

5. Multilingual Dynamics in Switzerland:

- Example: Switzerland's multilingualism, with German, French, Italian, and Romansh spoken in different regions, influences not only linguistic expressions but also shapes the country's unique cultural identity. Language diversity becomes a key element in understanding Swiss society.

Let's look at the impact of language on country studies, including examples with a focus on Kazakh: The Kazakh language is a rich repository of the country's cultural heritage, reflecting its nomadic lifestyles and historical narratives. It contains terms related to nomadic practices, such as specific words for traditional dwellings and activities. The Soviet era brought an influx of Russian words and expressions into the Kazakh language, which helps unravel the complexities of the historical relationship between Kazakhstan and the Soviet Union. The Kazakh language deeply embeds cultural values and hospitality, highlighting the importance of community and relationships in Kazakh culture. The Kazakh language adapts to modern contexts, including governance, industries, and technological advancements, providing insight into the country's contemporary dynamics. The country's multilingual environment, with Kazakh, Russian, and other languages in use, exemplifies the country's diversity, as the coexistence of languages influences societal interactions, education, and media, contributing to a unique linguistic landscape.

Analyzing these examples demonstrates how language is intertwined with historical events, cultural norms, social structures, and emotional expressions within a country. It illustrates that a deep dive into language enriches the study of a country, providing a more nuanced understanding of its people and their experiences.

Language and culture are closely related to each other. Language reflects cultural characteristics and stereotypes and influences the formation and maintenance of cultural norms, values and traditions. Language plays an important role in intercultural communication and the formation of cultural identity. Understanding the relationship between language and culture helps us to better understand and appreciate different cultures and ways of communicating.

References:

1. Introduction to Country Studies and Linguocountry Studies: Textbook / E.V.Semenova. - 2nd ed. 2012

2. Galskova N.D., Gez N.I., Theory of teaching foreign languages: Linguodidactics and methodology: Textbook for students of linguistic, univ. Yaz. higher pedagogical educational institutions. - Moscow: Publishing Center "Academy", 2004.

3. Язык и культура: взаимосвязь и влияние на формирование нашего мира (nauchniestati.ru)