1. Language and Culture Compiled by Doris Shih

2. Outline for Today The inseparable relationship Expansion of world view Multidimensional model Shen’s study

3. The Inseparable Relationship Olshtain & Cohen (1991): “If we wish to master another language we need to become communicatively competent in that language. Linguistic accuracy is important for this communicative competence but is not sufficient. In acquiring the new language one needs to assimilate…a set of sociocultural rules that will guide the learner in the choice of appropriate forms.” (p. 154)

4. Expansion of World View: Fantini Speakers (cultural context) World View B Meaning (Semantics) Language (symbolic systems) Speakers World View A Meaning Language

5. Multidimensional Model:Gonzalez et al. LanguageCognition Culture Linguistic Structures Nonverbal Concepts Cultural Concepts X

6. Shen’s Study (1992) Two questionnaires: Mandarin & English 15 vignettes Expressions of –“Thank you” vs. “ 謝謝 ” –“Excuse me” vs. “ 對不起 ”/“ 不好意思 ” – “I’m sorry” vs. “ 對不起 ” Subjects: –native English speakers –Taiwanese ESL learners

7. Hypothesis: –the selected expressions in the vignettes would be used exactly the same by native English speakers & Taiwanese Results: –the terms are not used the same way Conclusion: –Direct translation does not facilitate communication –The culture of the target language needs to be learned as thoroughly as the language itself

8. “Thank you”: appreciation of others’ favors, presents, compliments “ 謝謝 ”: only for appreciation of others’ favors “Excuse me”: apologize for bodily noises & space intrusion “ 對不起 ”: for serious physical or psychological damage “I’m sorry”: to express regrets or apology “ 對不起 ”: to express apology and humility

9. Share with each other your own experience of learning a second/foreign language

10. References Fantini, A. E. (1991). Bilingualism: Exploring language and culture. In L. Miolave & G. Dupuette (Eds.), Language, culture, and confliction (pp. 110-119). Clevedon, England: Multilingual Matters. Gonzalez, V., Schallert, D. L., De Rivera, S., Flores, M., Perrodin, L. M. (1999). Why is it una persona and not un persona? In V. Gonzalez (Ed.), Language and cognitive development in second language learning (pp. 104-155). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Olshtain, E., & Cohen, A. (1991). Teaching speech act behavior to nonnative speakers. In M. Celce-Murcia (Ed.), Teaching English as a second or foreign language (2 nd ed., pp. 154-165). Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle. Shen, I. (1992). Social influence on verbal expressions: Cross-cultural communication between the people of Taiwan, R.O.C. and the United States of America. New York, NY: Modern Language Association. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 382000)