By: Nana Sofiani

We are living in the social world by using language, we can communicate, interpret, and play. It helps us to share with others and identify ourselves.  As we know language and culture have a strong link, since it’s  a key element of culture. As people, we utilise language to communicate and express our thoughts, emotions and experiences. Language is not only a medium of communication, but it also shapes our thinking, perception and conduct. Furthermore, language is deeply ingrained in culture, as it mirrors the values, convictions, practices and customs of a specific group of individuals. Every culture has its distinctive language, including idioms, metaphors, and expressions specific to that culture. Hence, examining the correlation between language and culture is indispensable for expanding our comprehension of human society and how individuals interact with each other. It looks at how culture and language influence each other, with example, we get from around the world.

Language reflects culture in various ways. The vocabulary used in a language gives us an understanding of the cultural experiences and values of a particular community. For instance, the Inuit language includes many words that describe different types of snow, highlighting its importance in their daily lives. However, in Indonesia, we only recognise the term “snow”. In contrast, Indonesia has distinct words for padi, beras and nasi, while in  English, we use only one term “rice” for all three.

Likewise, the abundance of culinary terms in Italian and French depicts the role of food and cuisine in their respective cultures. In addition, the structure and grammar of a language can expose cultural norms. Using honour titles in many Asian languages demonstrates respect and hierarchy in their cultures. Similarly, gendered nouns and pronouns in a language show the significance of gender roles and differences in that society. Language reflects the values, experiences, and social structure of a particular society.

Language has a great impact on shaping and understanding culture. It is a communication tool that allows individuals to express their thoughts, share information, and build social connections. Language not only communicates, but also reflects society’s customs, beliefs and values. A culture’s priorities and concerns are evident in the language’s vocabulary and grammar; certain words and phrases may only exist in a specific language. For instance, Eskimos have various words to describe different types of snow, which reflects snow’s significance in their daily lives. Furthermore, the language we use can affect how we view and perceive other cultures. Certain words or phrases may promote stereotypes and biases, leading to misunderstandings and divisions. Acknowledging the links between language and culture can help us promote a more accepting and inclusive society that values linguistic variety and strives to eliminate discrimination based on language.

Language is key to communication and cultural identity. It goes beyond exchanging information as it reflects people’s values, beliefs, and lifestyles. Speaking a particular language permits people to identify and connect with a specific cultural cohort, generating a sense of shared belonging and identity. For instance, Spanish is closely tied to Hispanic culture, and using the Spanish language is often regarded as a representation of belonging to the Hispanic community. Language also transmits understated cultural subtleties and concepts that may not be easily translated into other languages. Some idiomatic phrases or expressions in a language, for example, might reflect cultural values and beliefs that run deep.

The study of their relationship is a complex and varied area of research, which generates significant interest. Language and culture are closely linked and cannot exist separately. Language reflects and shapes culture, as it serves as a tool for expressing and transmitting cultural traditions, values and beliefs. Culture affects language through creating exceptional vocabulary, idioms, and grammar.

Bibliography
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