linguistic assimilation language as a cultural adaptation

Linguistic AssimilationLanguage as a Cultural Adaptation

Presented by Curtis M. Kularski

Phonetics (sounds) Morphemics (word structure) Syntax (sentence structure) Semantics (meaning)

What is language?

Language is essential to communication Language allows for the exchanging of

ideas Language is a component of social

identity Language difference is a barrier to

cultural accessibility

Language in Society

Its just about the words Every language has the same “words” Some languages are primitive

False Assumptions

Non-native speakers Regionally different dialect speakers Disabled individuals

Externals to Language

Linguistic Assimilation is the process by

which non-native people adapt to and learn the language of another group

Assimilating language is often a first step to multiculturalism or cultural assimilation

Sometimes involves dropping “mother tongue”

Linguistic Assimilation

Integration of simple, or important, concepts Involves periods of bilingualism Host and native language used simultaneously Can take several generations to occur

Process of Assimilation

Exposure Media Connections Formal adult education Public education for children

How It Happens

Unfamiliar syntax Lack of cultural understanding Difference in formal and casual language Slang

Obstacles to Language Assimilation

Access to educational system Access to public services Ability to share ideas Ability to contribute to host society Integration into homogeneous society

Benefits of Assimilation

Loss of cultural distinctiveness Integration into homogeneous society Loss of shared language with relatives Can create cultural slang

Disadvantages of Assimilation

Discrimination based on language Students treated as learning disabled Native language maintained Host culture still “foreign” Safety compromised

Without Assimilation

Food is a language and assimilation priority Food is a cultural element just like language Food is often transferred between cultures

with language intact

Culinary Arts and Linguistic Transition

Sci-fi uses language separation as plot

element Allows for exploration of quirks of language Considers semantic concerns Encourages the consideration of language

issues

Language in Popular Culture

Language is an essential part of culture Linguistic assimilation aids overall assimilation Assimilation can harm cultural preservation Assimilation is beneficial to cultural

preservation

Conclusion

Boroditsky, Lera. 2010. “Lost in Translation”. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 18 April 2011

[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467304575383131592767868.html] Crist, Eileen. (2004). “Can an Insect Speak? The Case of the Honeybee Dance Language”.

Social Studies of Science. 34(1), pp 7-43. Lavenda, Robert H and Emily A. Shultz. (2007). Anthropology: What Does It Mean to Be

Human?. Oxford University Press. Librairie Larousse. 2009. Larousse Gastronomique. Clarkson Potter: New York, NY, USA. Lopes, Paul. (2006). “Culture and Stigma: Popular Culture and the Case of Comic Books”.

Sociological Forum. 21(3), PP 387-414. Menosky, Joe. 1991. “Darkmok”. Star Trek: The Next Generation. Retrieved 20 April 2011

[http://www.startrek.com/database_article/darmok]. O’Neil, David. (2009). “An Introduction to Human Communication”. Language and

Communication. Retrieved 9 April 2011 [http://anthro.palomar.edu/language/]. Ribeiro, Rodrigo. (2007). “The Language Barrier as an Aid to Communication”. Social

Studies of Science. 37(4), pp 561-584. Stewart, David A and C. Tane Akamatsu. (1988). “The Coming of Age of American Sign

Language”. Anthropology & Education Quarterly. 19(3), pp 235-252. Urban, Greg. (2002). “Metasignaling and Language Origins”. American Anthropologist.

104(1), pp 233-246.

Bibliography