The Cultural Layer of Language in Human Communication
Keywords:
linguaculturology, ethnolinguistics, linguistic picture of the world, Linguistic IdentityAbstract
The article "Language as a Carrier of Culture: Exploring Linguistic Identity in Intercultural Contexts" explores the deep relationship between language and culture, highlighting how language functions as a medium for transmitting cultural values, beliefs, and identity. It discusses how linguistic features reflect cultural norms, and how learning a language involves gaining cultural understanding—referred to as linguacultural competence. The article also examines the concept of linguistic identity, showing how language shapes individuals’ sense of belonging, especially in multilingual and immigrant contexts. Moreover, it emphasizes the challenges and importance of language in intercultural communication, where cultural misunderstandings can arise despite shared vocabulary. The author argues for the preservation of native languages as a means of maintaining cultural heritage and diversity in an increasingly globalized world.
References
1. Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
→ This book explores how culture influences communication and perception.
2. Kramsch, C. (1998). Language and Culture. Oxford University Press.
→ A key resource on the intersection of language learning and cultural awareness.
3. Sapir, E. (1921). Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech. Harcourt, Brace.
→ Classic work on how language shapes thought and social interaction.
4. Whorf, B. L. (1956). Language, Thought, and Reality: Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf. MIT Press.
→ Foundational text discussing the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.
5. Wierzbicka, A. (1997). Understanding Cultures Through Their Key Words: English, Russian, Polish, German, and Japanese. Oxford University Press.
→ Explains how certain "culturemes" express unique cultural concepts through language.
6. Risager, K. (2006). Language and Culture: Global Flows and Local Complexity. Multilingual Matters.
→ A modern perspective on linguacultural processes in globalized contexts.
7. House, J. (2015). Translation as Communication across Languages and Cultures. Routledge.
→ Discusses cultural challenges in translation, useful for linguaculturological applications.
