语言和文化选修课论文.doc

语言与文化 Chapter 1. Language, Culture and Thought. (Language, culture and thought interact, each influencing and shaping the others.) Properties of Language(systematic[it is rule governed ]+arbitrary[no logical relationship between words and the objects, actions and concepts these words are used to refer to; onomatopoeic words and compounds are not arbitrary ]+symbolic[language express are symbols]+vocal+ uniquely human +for communication[it is the primary function of language]+ understand and describe the world+ carrier and container of cultural information) Definitions and properties of culture Definitions of culture(can be defined as attributes of man or lifeway of a population) Culture in its broad sense(it is the attributes of man. 1.materials man has got to satisfy his needs; 2. social institutions and organizations man has established; 3. knowledge about nature and man himself and artistic development; language and other communication systems; 5. customs, habits and behavioral patterns; 6. value systems, world views, national traits, aesthetic standards and thinking patterns. Culture in its broad sense is also called “large C culture” or “academic culture”) Culture in its narrow sense( is called “small c culture” or “”anthropological culture, includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs and other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of a society) Properties of culture(culture is human specific; culture is a social phenomenon; culture is a national phenomenon; culture is also a historical phenomenon. Culture is general and abstract. ) Models for the analysis of culture(key question; [it is important to have key questions in mind when observing and studying culture. It help promote systematic observation.]; the thematic model; [he emphasizes three cultural elements: values, traits and world views.]; seven facets [a patterned activity; the appropriateness of such an activity; the particular subject, the doer, the object toward which the beh