Language and Culture in intercultural communication

1. LANGUAGE AND
CULTURE
Instructor: Prof. AN Ran

2. MEET OUR TEAM
Language and Culture 2
MARIAM EVARIST
PHILLPO
PhD student ICE
NAUMAN MUHAMMAD
罗曼
Masters student in ECE
ARFATUL MAMUN(蒙
田)
Masters student in ICE
ABDULLAH AL-MURAD
希望
Masters student in ECE

3. CONTENT
Language
Culture
Language and Culture

4. INTRODUCTION
Language plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and
understanding between individuals from different cultural
backgrounds. Language is not just a means of conveying information,
but it also carries cultural meanings, values, and norms. It influences
communication styles, expressions, and behaviors.
‘’Language is used both as a means of communication as well as a
carrier of culture. Language without culture is unthinkable, so is
human culture without language.’’
(Wei,2005)
Presented by 蒙田
4

5. Presented by 蒙田
5
Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure. It examines how
languages are formed, how they function, and how they evolve over time. In other
word, linguistics deals with the relationship between language and
communication.
Linguists analyse various aspects of language:
 Sounds (phonetics and phonology),
 Word formation (morphology),
 Sentence structure (syntax),
 Meaning (semantics),
 Language use in social contexts (sociolinguistics).
They also explore language acquisition, psycholinguistics, historical linguistics, and
computational linguistics. Linguistics provides insights into the diversity and
complexity of human language, helping us understand how languages are
structured, how they are used in communication, and how they shape our
understanding of the world.
Linguistics
1.Britannic. https://www.britannica.com/science/linguistics
2. Chad Rimbey(2021) https://study.com/learn/lesson/linguistics-concept-

6. THE STRUCTURE OF HUMAN LANGUAGE 6
The structure of human language consists of 5 key components that work
together to form meaningful communication.
 Morphology:
 Phonetics and Phonology
 Syntax
 Semantics
 Pragmatics
Presented by 蒙田

7. 7
Morphology: Morphology refers to the study of the structure and formation of words. It
examines how words are formed and how they are related to each other within a
language. Morphology focuses on the internal structure of words, including the use of
affixes (prefixes, suffixes), roots, and other morphemes.
Morphemes: Morphemes are the smallest meaningful units in a language. They can be
free morphemes (independent words) or bound morphemes (attached to other words).
For example, in the word "unhappiness," "un-" and "-ness" are bound morphemes,
while "happy" is a free morpheme.
Inflection vs. Derivation: Morphology distinguishes between inflectional and
derivational processes. Inflectional morphology involves adding grammatical markers to
words to indicate tense, number, gender, and other grammatical features. Derivational
morphology, on the other hand, creates new words or changes their lexical category
through affixation or other processes.
Morphology
Education(2021)https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/english/literacy/readingviewing/Pages/litfocuswor
dmorph.aspx
Ecampusontario(2022) https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/essentialsoflinguistics2/chapter/5-1-what-is-morphology/
Presented by 蒙

8. 8
Phonetics and phonology are two branches of linguistics that deal with the sounds of
human language. While they are closely related, they focus on different aspects of speech
sounds.
Phonetics: Phonetics is the study of the physical properties and production of speech
sounds. It examines the articulation (how sounds are physically produced), acoustic
properties (how sounds are transmitted as waves), and auditory perception (how sounds
are perceived by the ear and brain) of speech sounds. Phonetics analyzes the sounds
themselves, regardless of their linguistic function or meaning. It includes the classification
and description of speech sounds based on their characteristics, such as place and manner
of articulation, voicing, and airflow.
Phonology: Phonology, on the other hand, is the study of how sounds function and pattern
in a particular language or languages. It focuses on the organization and systematic use of
speech sounds within a linguistic system. Phonology examines the sound patterns, rules,
and constraints that govern the distribution and behavior of sounds in a language. It
investigates the way sounds interact with each other, including processes such as
assimilation, deletion, and vowel harmony. Phonology also includes the study of
phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound that can distinguish meaning in a
language.
Phonetics and phonology
Keirsten(2020) https://anthropology4u.medium.com/the-structure-of-language-phonology-morphology-and-syntax-
Presented by 蒙

9. 9
Syntax is a branch of linguistics that studies the rules and principles governing the structure and arrangement of words
and phrases to form grammatically correct sentences in a language. Syntax also examines how words combine to form
phrases and how phrases combine to form sentences. It investigates the order of words, the roles they play in a sentence
(such as subject, verb, object), and the grammatical relationships between them. Syntax also analyzes the hierarchical
structure of sentences, including the identification of phrases (such as noun phrases, verb phrases) and their constituents.
Key concepts in syntax include:
Phrase Structure: Syntax analyzes the structure of phrases, which are groups of words that function as a single unit. This
includes the identification of constituents within phrases, such as noun phrases (e.g., "the big red apple") and verb
phrases (e.g., "is eating a sandwich").
Sentence Structure: Syntax examines the structure of sentences, including the arrangement of words and the
relationships between them. This includes the identification of subjects, verbs, objects, and other grammatical elements.
Grammatical Relations: Syntax investigates the grammatical relationships between words and phrases in a sentence. This
includes the identification of subject-verb agreement, verb-object relationships, and other syntactic dependencies.
Syntactic Rules: Syntax defines the rules and principles that govern the formation of grammatically correct sentences.
These rules specify the order, arrangement, and permissible combinations of words and phrases.
Syntax
Keirsten(2020) https://anthropology4u.medium.com/the-structure-of-language-phonology-morphology-and-syntax-
fd8e1a1d16b3
Com(2021) https://www.communicationcommunity.com/5-domains-of-language/
Presented by 蒙

10. 10
Semantics: Semantics is the study of meaning in language. It focuses on the relationship
between words, phrases, and sentences and the concepts or ideas they represent.
Semantics examines how words and linguistic expressions convey meaning and how
meaning is interpreted by speakers and listeners. It explores the meaning of individual
words (lexical semantics) and the meaning of sentences and their components
(compositional semantics). Semantics also investigates the different aspects of meaning,
including literal meaning, figurative meaning, ambiguity, and reference.
Pragmatics: Pragmatics, on the other hand, is the study of how context influences the
interpretation and use of language. It deals with the pragmatic aspects of communication,
such as the intentions of the speaker, the inferences made by the listener, and the social
and cultural factors that affect meaning. Pragmatics goes beyond the literal meaning of
words and considers how meaning is shaped by context, shared knowledge, and the
speaker's communicative goals. It examines phenomena such as implicature,
presupposition, speech acts, politeness, and conversational implicature.
Semantics And Pragmatics
Keirsten(2020) https://anthropology4u.medium.com/the-structure-of-language-phonology-morphology-and-syntax-
fd8e1a1d16b3
Com(2021) https://www.communicationcommunity.com/5-domains-of-language/
Wikibook(2019)https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anthropology/Cultural_Anthropology/Cultural_Anthrop
ology_(Wikibook)/4%3A_Communication_and_Language/4.5%3A_The_Structure_of_Language
Presented by 蒙

11. FOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE 11
• Language is symbolic, meaning
that words and other linguistic
elements represent or
symbolize specific meanings.
• The connection between a
symbol (e.g., word) and its
meaning is arbitrary and relies
on social agreement within a
linguistic community.
RULE-GOVERNED
• Language operates according to
a set of rules and structures,
known as grammar.
• These rules govern how words,
phrases, and sentences are
formed, combined, and
organized to create meaningful
communication.
• Grammar includes syntax (word
order), morphology (word
structure), and phonology
(sound patterns).
SUBJECTIVE
• Language is subjective
because individuals interpret
and assign meaning to words
and utterances based on
their own subjective
experiences, perspectives,
and cultural backgrounds.
• The same word or phrase can
evoke different meanings or
emotions for different
people.
SYMBOLIC DYNAMIC
• Language is dynamic and
constantly evolving.
• It adapts and changes over
time in response to social,
cultural, and technological
developments.
• New words, expressions, and
linguistic features emerge,
while others may become
obsolete or change in
meaning.
Gulfam Riaz(2021) https://www.scribd.com/document/523059062/Characteristic-of-Language
Kristine Clancy, Tiffany Ruggeri-Dilello, & Kim Yee
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Interpersonal_Communication/Interpersonal_Communication%3A_Contex
t_and_Connection_(ASCCC_OERI)/04%3A_Verbal_Elements_of_Communication/4.02%3A_The_Nature_of_Language
Presented by 蒙

12. 12
VARIATION OF LANGUAGE
5.Jargon 6.Argot 7.Taboo
1.Dialects 2.Pidgins 3.Creole 4.Lingua Franca
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13. 13
Dialects
• A dialect refers to a particular form of a language that is specific to a region or
a social group.
• It encompasses variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and even
expressions within a language.
• In Tanzania, the Swahili language is widely spoken, and there are various
dialects of Swahili across different regions. For instance the dialect spoken in
Zanzibar might have slight variations in vocabulary and pronunciation
compared to the Swahili spoken in Dar es Salaam or the northern parts of
Tanzania.
• In Bangladesh, Bengali (Bangla) is the predominant language. Different
regions within Bangladesh might have their own dialects. For instance, the
dialect spoken in Sylhet might differ in some words and pronunciation from the
Bengali spoken in Dhaka.
• In Pakistan, Urdu is the national language, but there are numerous regional
languages and dialects. For instance, Punjabi spoken in Lahore might have
differences in pronunciation and vocabulary compared to the Punjabi spoken in
Multan.
• This shows that in various regions they may have their own versions of a
language differing in pronunciation, vocabulary, and sometimes grammar,
forming distinct dialects.
Presented by 玛丽安

14. Pidgins
• Pidgin languages are simplified forms of communication that
develop between groups that do not share a common
language.
• They typically arise in situations where there's a need for
communication between speakers of different native
languages. Pidgins often have simplified grammar, a limited
vocabulary, and draw words from multiple languages.
• In Tanzania, a pidgin example might be "Kiswahili-English
Pidgin or Swanglish" where people blend Swahili and English
words to communicate if they don't speak either language
fluently. For instance, someone might say "Mimi naenda town
kufanya shopping" (I am going to town for shopping),
combining Swahili and English words for easier understanding
between speakers of both languages.
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Presented by 玛丽安

15. • In Bangladesh, due to the linguistic diversity, a pidgin
could emerge between speakers of Bengali and
speakers of other languages like Urdu or English. An
example might be "Banglish," a blend of Bengali and
English, where phrases like "Taka lagbe for shopping" (I
need money for shopping) might be used for
communication between those who speak both Bengali
and English but not fluently.
• In Pakistan, due to the multilingual landscape, a pidgin
could emerge between speakers of Punjabi, Sindhi,
Urdu, and other languages. However, the development
of a specific pidgin in Pakistan might not be as common
or standardized compared to other regions.
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Presented by 玛丽安

16. Creole
• Creole languages develop from pidgin languages when
they become the native language of a community over
time.
• They evolve into more complex and fully developed
languages with their own grammar, vocabulary, and
syntax.
• Creole languages often arise in communities where people
from diverse linguistic backgrounds come together and a
pidgin becomes the primary means of communication over
generations.
• In Tanzania, there isn't a prominent example of a creole
language, but Kiswahili itself is considered a language
that has some creole-like characteristics. While not a
classic creole, it has incorporated elements from various
languages due to historical trade interactions.
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17. • In Bangladesh, there isn't a widely recognized creole
language. However, there might be local or regional variations
that have evolved over time due to the mingling of different
linguistic groups, but none have achieved the status of a
distinct creole language.
• In China, there are creole-like languages such as the
Macanese Patois spoken in Macau.
• It developed from a mix of Portuguese, Cantonese, and Malay,
among other languages, due to historical colonial interactions.
However, it's important to note that while it shares
characteristics with a creole, its status as a fully-fledged creole
might be debated.
• In Pakistan, there isn't a widely recognized creole language.
The linguistic landscape is diverse, but the evolution of a
distinct creole language isn't as prevalent compared to other
regions.
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Presented by 玛丽安

18. Lingua
franca
• A language that is used as a common means of communication
between speakers of different native languages. It's often not the
mother tongue of any speakers but serves as a bridge language
for communication among diverse linguistic groups.
• In Tanzania, Swahili functions as a lingua franca. While not the
first language of all Tanzanians, it is widely spoken across the
country and serves as a common language for communication
among various ethnic groups and communities.
• In Bangladesh, Bengali (Bangla) serves as the lingua franca.
Despite the existence of various indigenous languages and
dialects, Bengali is the official and most widely spoken language,
used as a means of communication among different linguistic
groups within the country.
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Presented by 玛丽安

19. • In China, Mandarin (Simplified Chinese) serves as the lingua
franca due to its widespread use across diverse linguistic
communities. While there are numerous regional languages
and dialects, Mandarin serves as the common language for
communication, education, and administration throughout the
country.
• In Pakistan, Urdu functions as the lingua franca. Although
there are multiple regional languages like Punjabi, Sindhi,
Pashto, and others, Urdu is the official language and serves as
a common means of communication among people from
different linguistic backgrounds within Pakistan.
• Lingua franca languages play a crucial role in facilitating
communication and fostering unity among diverse linguistic
communities within a region or country.
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Presented by 玛丽安

20. • Jargon refers to specialized language or
terminology used within specific professions,
hobbies, or social groups.
• It often consists of technical terms or expressions
that might not be easily understood by individuals
outside of that particular field or community.
• For example, in the tourism sector, terms like
"safari," "game drive," or "bush camp" might be
considered jargon among tour guides and wildlife
enthusiasts
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Jargon
Presented by 玛丽安

21. Argot
• Argot refers to a specialized language or set of
terms used by a specific group or subculture, often
to keep their communication private or to exclude
others from understanding.
• It's a form of slang that might involve altering
words, using code, or employing unique vocabulary
understood only within that particular group.
• Argot serves as a way for specific groups to bond,
maintain a sense of identity, or keep their
conversations private from outsiders by using
language that is unique to their particular social or
cultural context.
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Presented by 玛丽安

22. Taboo
• Taboos are social or cultural restrictions or prohibitions
on certain behaviors, actions, or words within a particular
society.
• These taboos are often deeply ingrained in the culture
and can be related to various aspects of life such as
religion, customs, social norms, or traditions.
• They're considered unacceptable or forbidden and
violating them can result in social ostracization or other
consequences.
• In Tanzania, among the Maasai tribe, killing or harming
certain animals might be considered taboo due to their
cultural significance, such as harming lions.
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Presented by 玛丽安

23. • In Bangladesh, there might be taboos related to food and
eating habits, particularly in more conservative or
traditional communities.
• In China, there are various taboos deeply rooted in
traditional beliefs and customs. One prevalent taboo is
related to the number four (四 sì), as it sounds similar to
the word for death (死 sǐ) in Chinese. Therefore, many
Chinese people avoid using the number four whenever
possible, especially in settings related to luck, such as in
phone numbers or addresses.
• In Pakistan, in some conservative areas, discussing certain
topics openly, especially related to sensitive social issues
or religious beliefs, might be considered taboo and
inappropriate.
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Presented by 玛丽安

24. 24
Language and
Culture
People who study different things still haven't agreed on how
much language and culture are connected. Some think
language decides our beliefs, while others think it just shows
them.
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25. 25
Language and
Culture
-Language Determines Our Culture
 Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Language shapes culture by influencing thinking,
beliefs, and attitudes.
 Language as a Guide: Whorf contends that language not only programs
thought but also directs the analysis of experiences, acting as the originator of
culture.
 Cultural Reflection: Whorf shows that language reflects and perpetuates
cultural patterns, contributing to communication challenges in intercultural
contexts.
 Critiques: Some scholars argue that Sapir and Whorf overstated language's
role, emphasizing cultural similarities and suggesting communication barriers are
surmountable
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26. 26
Language and
Culture
-Language Reflects Our Atitude
 Language Reflects Power: Scholars like Erickson et al. argue language mirrors
power dynamics, with expressions indicating control or powerlessness.
 Powerless Language Examples: Phrases such as "I guess" or expressions of
uncertainty reflect linguistic indicators of diminished authority.
 Wiener and Mehrabian's Framework: Language, per Wiener and Mehrabian,
reflects liking, intimacy, and responsibility, showcasing how words convey
feelings and attitudes.
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27. 27
Language and
Culture
-Language Reflects Our Atitude
 Universal Human Expressions: Hoijer notes that every culture, through
language, expresses universal human emotions, emphasizing cultural
similarities.
 Consensus on Relationship: Scholars agree on the significant relationship
between language and culture, even if they differ on whether language
determines or reflects culture.
 China as Example: The following section uses China to illustrate how cultural
values are expressed through language.
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28. CULTURE
• Culture encompasses the shared beliefs, values,
customs, and behaviors that characterize a
group of people.". By strodbeck 1961.
• Break down the key components of culture like
the self, the family, society, human nature,
nature, and the super natural Language,
Customs and traditions, Arts and literature,
Social institutions.
• Examples. Chainese culture = food, dressing, daily life.
Pakistan = food, dressing, daily life.
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29. RELATIONAL ORIENTATION
"Relational orientation" typically refers to an individual's
predisposition or approach to interpersonal relationships.
It encompasses how people relate to and interact with
others, including their communication style, emotional
connections, and overall approach to building and
maintaining relationships. This concept is often discussed
in the fields of psychology, sociology, and communication
studies.
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30. RELATIONAL ORIENTATION
• Divided by three parts
• Individualistic ("Individualistic" is a term used to describe a
cultural, social, or philosophical orientation that emphasizes the
importance of the individual over the group)
• Collateral (In everyday language, "collateral relatives" are family
members who are not directly in the ascending or descending line of
descent, such as cousins, aunts, uncles, and siblings. They are related
by virtue of sharing a common ancestor)
• Lineal orientation (In the context of genealogy and family
structures, a "lineal orientation" often refers to a focus on direct lineage
or ancestry. It implies a strong emphasis on the family line, including
ancestors and descendants in a straight line. This perspective is often
contrasted with a more broad or extended family orientation.)
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31. RELATIONSHIPS
• Two Basic relationships described
• Husband and wife (The husband and wife relationship,
often referred to as a marital or spousal relationship, is a
fundamental building block of family structures in many societies)
• Parents and children. (The relationship between parents
and children is one of the most significant and influential connections
in human life. This relationship is central to family dynamics and
plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional, social, and cognitive
development of individuals)
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32. POSITIONAL ROLE BEHAVIOR
• Open, General and specific by Gondon and
Yousef in 1975.
• It can be on the basis of sex, age, generation
etc.
• E.g A boy is better than two girls.
• A married daughter is like burstring its banks.
• Cultural Transmission
• Cultural Norms and Values
• Cultural Shock and Adaptation
• Cultural Changes and Globalization
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33. CULTURAL VALUE ORIENTATIONS AND LANGUAGE
EXPRESSIONS
33
RELATIONAL
ORIENTATION
• Individualistic
• Collateral
• Linear
POSITIONAL ROLE
BEHAVIOR
• Open role
• General Role
• Specific Role
ANCESTOR WORSHIP
• Physical bodies
may die, souls
stays and watch
over us.
(Condon and Yousef,1975)

34. THANK YOU