SYMBOLS, LANGUAGE AND CULTURE How do symbols and language define culture?

Transmission of Culture: Creation and transmission of culture depends heavily on symbols and language “When I use a word, it means exactly what I choose it to mean---neither more nor less.”

Symbols range from physical objects to sounds, smells and tastes. ■Clapping in the U.S. is a sign of appreciation but in Latin America, it is a sign of disapproval ■The Swastika is a symbol of “good fortune” for Hindu people but has come to symbolize hatred for Jewish people.

Language frees humans from the limits of time and place. ■The Wright brothers successful flight did not come only from their efforts but from other’s writings onn principles of flight.

Equipped with language, people can pass on their experiences, ideas and knowledge to others. Time and repetition may be used so that a child can learn safety without falling down a stairwell or burning themselves. Eating, patriotism, and staying awake in class are all behaviors that are taught

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis (The Hypothesis of linguistic relativity) ■How we think about a thing is directly related to the number and complexity of words to describe it. ■Since language differs, perceptions differ ■How many words describe “Time”? ■How many words describe “Kiss”?

Examples from Society ■When Christian missionaries went to Asia, they were shocked when the Chinese had no word for sin. ■Africans and Polynesians had no word or name for a single all powerful god ■The Piraha tribe in Brazil had no word to communicate anything larger than two

Exposure ■When you encounter new words or a new language your perception changes New words in Mr. Dilks’Life Sushi Texting Fajitas Cell phone Skype Facebooking Lap top