Schema Activator: What is this? Provide as detailed of a response as possible.

Symbolic Culture Gestures We construct (create) meaning of gestures within a culture Language Language is constructed (created) to convey thoughts, emotions, and facilitate communication

What do these gestures mean? When would they be used? Thumb up Head up and down Thumb and index finger connected

Analysis Gesture Geographic Location Constructed Meaning

What do these signals mean in other cultures? Present your three gestures The class will guess the meaning You will provide the correct meaning and indicate which country this is applicable to

Critical Thinking “Few of their children in the country learn English... The signs in our streets have inscriptions in both languages... Unless the stream of their importation could be turned they will soon so out number us that all the advantages we have will not be able to preserve our language, and even our government will become precarious.” Who do you think said this quote? When do you think it was said? Who do you think it was referring to?

Language is the basis of all culture… Provides: Share human experience Social or shared past Social or shared future Shared understandings Complex, shared, goal-directed behavior

Sapir-Whorf Theory Language has embedded within it ways of looking at the world Rather than objects or events forcing themselves into our consciousness, language determines our consciousness and our perception of objects and events Language creates categories and characterizations Ex. Jam vs. jelly

Language creates identity What languages do you speak? Spanish, English, AAVE (African American Vernacular English) According to Sapir-Wharf theory, the specific language we speak creates our consciousness and understanding of the world Ex. Words that are not present in English that are present in other languages

Words not found in English The French expression Espirit d'escalier literally means "the wit of the staircase", and describes the frustrating moment when you come up with the perfect comeback but far too late, i.e. when walking down the stairs after you have been shamefully insulted. Mamihlapinatapai is a Yaghan word, meaning a look shared between two people suggesting an unspoken desire. It may be used to describe the look of longing shared between two people who are both too shy to act upon their feelings. The German word Backpfeifengesicht is used to describe a face that is just asking to be slapped or punched. Shlimazl is a Yiddish word that many of us would find useful to have in the English language. It is used to describe someone who experiences endless bad luck.

Census Data

Introduction: Culture Forum