文化的构成要件语言.pptVIP

Components of Culture:Language Language Defined: A set of symbols that expresses ideas and allows people to think and communicate with each other. Can be verbal or nonverbal. Even within one language, confusion is common. How many interpretations can you think of for these sentences? “There’s a fork in the road.” “He shot his mouth off.” “My neighbor had her second car stolen.” “The artist painted me on the porch.” These are actual headlines taken from the newspaper. “Soviet ships collide, one dies.” “Obesity study seeks larger test group.” “Safety experts say school bus passengers should be belted.” “Squad helps dog bite victim.” “Drunk gets nine months in violin case.” “Police begin campaign to run down jaywalkers.” Can you answer these questions? Why are they called “stands” when they’re made for sitting? Why are a “wise man” and “wise guy” opposites? Why it called “after dark” when it’s really “after light?” Why do “fat chance” and “slim chance” mean the same thing? Understanding language becomes even more challenging for non-native speakers. What do these “Kiwi” expressions mean? “Spit the dummy” “I’m stuffed!” “Do you have a torch?” “Are you in college?” “He’s had to do some hard yakka!” “Want some shark and tatties?” Language can also be a source of discrimination. Language and Gender: The use of the word “man” in words like chairman and mankind. Use of the pronouns “he” and “she” affects thinking about gender. For example, nurses and secretaries are usually referred to as “she.” Language can also be an expression of racial and ethnic discrimination. Some words have more than one meaning and create negative images, such as “blackhearted” or “a black mark on your record.” Negative words can also become associated with groups, such as referring to Native Americans as “savages.” How important is it for members of one country to speak the same language? How should a society balance respect for individual cultures and a need for unity? Language, Race Ethni