1. Sociology Chapter 3 section 2
Language and Culture
Sociology Chapter 3 section 2

2. Symbols, Language, and Culture
If culture is to be transmitted, each generation must learn it as if it were new
The transmission and communication of culture depends on symbols
The most powerful symbols are those that make up language

3. Each generation must pass on to the next what symbols mean, including how to read

4. What are symbols? Symbols are things that represent something else
They can be physical objects or sounds, smells, and tastes
Sometimes, there’s no real natural connection between the symbol and what it represents.
For example, why does the sound of rapidly clapping our hands together signify some sort of approval?
What other symbols do you know?

5. What do these symbols mean to you?

6. How are Language and Culture Related?
Language allows people to create culture
We don’t have to re-learn everything, because people have written books and told stories, and we have learned from those who have gone on before
We learn from our parents the danger of fire or falling down stairs– we don’t have to experience that danger ourselves to know its effects
We also learn things like patriotism and religious beliefs from our parents and others

7. Since ancient times, people have told each other stories and passed down traditions

8. Can We Communicate Without Words?
Play a game of Charades, and see how well you do
How well do our hands substitute for words?
Does sign language work?

9. Sign language allows us to communicate without spoken words

10. The Sapir Whorf Hypothesis
Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf felt that language affected our reality.
They called this the hypothesis of linguistic relativity
If we don’t have a word for something, then we don’t think about it and it’s not part of our reality
English only has a few words to describe snow; Inuit (Eskimo) has over 20 words to describe snow
In the U.S., time is important and we have many words to describe time: nanosecond, moment, minute, hour, era, interim, century, afternoon, etc.
What does that say about us?

11. Language is more than just a means of communication; it influences our culture and even the way we think. Try to say what color these letters are:

12. The Sapir Whorf Hypothesis
Watch the video “Can Language Affect How You Spend Your Money?”
Does the hypothesis of linguistic relativity mean we are prisoners of our own language?
People can view the world differently when they learn a new language, and this can expand our understanding of other cultures

13. How has your perception of the world changed when you’ve learned another language?

14. What other factors shape our perception of reality?
Many Japanese use paper walls, and have thus learned to block out noise from other rooms
American visitors to Japan are not used to being able to block that noise from another room
Many Germans value their privacy, and so German executives close their door to their office
American executives are not used to closing their doors, so that can cause issues when American companies are in Germany

15. Due to cultural differences, businesses often give their international agents advice on how to avoid insulting other cultures

16. Assessment
Answer the four questions on page 79