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More handpicked essays just for you.
Importance of language in development in culture
The benefits of learning a second language
The benefits of learning a second language
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Recommended: Importance of language in development in culture
We did not become who we are over night; humans have evolved through many years. Language is the tool that developed our culture; it is so powerful and we can’t take it for granted. The seminar explored how our language tools came to be, it identified the issues using these tools for the good or evil. This tool shapes our identity creating knowledge and cultures.
In the article, “Why Are Some Animals So Smart? ” the author compares us humans to the orangutans. In the orangutan culture, all their knowledge is passed down through their social life. When one orangutan learns a new innovative technique, that technique is shared and transferred down to the next generation. This becomes a culture within the group or tribe. Similarly, humans learn through their elders and by our experiences too. We mimic and learn from our parents, they are the ones that pass down the knowledge to us. In order to transfer knowledge you need communication. Long ago before language was created, we used symbols as a way of communication. The article "How we came to be HUMAN" talks about how important language is to our survival. Shon said, "without communication, we are limited in advancing. Speech allows us to carry traditions." If we were not able to communicate it will limit us in furthering ourselves.
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People in power can use words to oppress certain people to gain control. In the article "Nobel Lecture" it is about the power of the human language. Language has progressed drastically over many years. Languages were used as a way of survival, but now words are more dangerous and can be used to harm or to help. Valeria said "Words have a big impact; language can be used in a horrible direction or a beautiful direction." Words have the power to oppress and portray a person or a group of people. Depending on how words are passed down it can affect the generation in a positive or negative
“I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.” (Zusak 528) Words and the power they possess is a common theme that is heavily mentioned throughout the novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Throughout this book, rhetoric affects multiple characters in both positive and negative ways. There are instances in this book in which one can see how words have the ability to tear people down, educate and inform, and to inspire individuals to follow their dreams.
Language is our power and expression is our freedom. Through a puff of air, we are able to communicate and influence the environments that surround us. Over the course of time humans have evolved, but by the means of language, humans have matured into humanity. The possibility of thought and emotions such as empathy show the ability to think with complexity. A crucial element that helps Suzanne K. Langer’s illustrate the essence of humanity throughout her essay “Language and Thought.” Langer thoroughly depicts what sets humans apart from the rest of the animal kingdom by explicitly stating “The line between man and beast […] is the language line” (120). Consequently, this implies that if a person is declined the freedom of language they are hardly considered human. Many people around the globe have had their voices silenced due to corrupt governments and the oppression of their culture. These individuals are subjected to the devastating effects of the loss of language, which in turn, translates to the loss of power. Language is our foundation for hopes and opportunity, for with out it a person is shell of possibility that is subjected to a passive existence.
Many characters in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak develop an understanding of the strength of power words possess throughout the book which causes them to be undesirably affected.
Words have the power to affect people in many ways from empowerment or to taking upon action. Words are able to make huge changes in the lives of many and can make good or bad changes. In history, people used words in both good and bad function from making a promise to a nation or even manipulating multitudes of people within a nation. Words definitely have the ability to take situations a far distance but despite the fact that evil can manipulate the majority of people, individuals too can realize the true actions and evil buried inside the perpetrator. People can be both ugly and beautiful at sometimes with weapons along their sides. A novel called The Book Thief illustrates the power of words in a multitude of ways, showing the potential
Language is a skill that, if used properly, can open up a variety of opportunities in life. Throughout the readings of “Homemade Education” by Malcolm X and “Living with Dyslexia” by Gareth Cook, we see many difficulties and challenges that people overcome when they are put in the face of language. Like many things, there are many different aspects that shape the way we understand the art of language. Throughout culture, perspective, and language we see all the components that make language so powerful. It is made very clear, that language has the power to promote the shaping of one’s identity.
In primates such as chimpanzees it is imperative to look at their culture to understand their intelligence. Culture in this circumstance means a specific set of behaviors obtained through learning in a population/species. Chimpanzee’s intelligence is quite unique how they interact with their environment and use it to their benefit just like humans. They have the ability to overcome the obstacles of everyday life through learning and the ability to use tools to create a better quality of life. The complexity of their intellect is different from any other animal ever seen. A significant part of chimpanzee intelligence that sets them apart from other primates and puts them closer to humans is the way they exhibit social learning within their culture and interactions within their environment.
Words hold great power and when used correctly can influence what people believe and how they act.
Toni Morrison makes a good point when, in her acceptance speech upon receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature, she says, “Narrative . . . is . . . one of the principal ways in which we absorb knowledge” (7). The words we use and the way in which we use them is how we, as humans, communicate to each other our thoughts, feelings, and actions and therefore our knowledge of the world and its peoples. Knowledge is power. In this way, our language, too, is powerful.
In life, we use words for everything. We use them every single day, however we never fully realize how big of an impact words can make in someone’s life. In the novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, he uses words to create goodness, comfort and sometimes the complete opposite. When confronted by the correct person, a strong vocabulary also has the chance to manipulate any person into changing their mind completely as well; simple conversations can even give someone the decision between life and death. The author shows this through the character’s choice of words, as well as through metaphors and similes, and the irony in the novel.
The power of words is immeasurable. Words help people to voice their opinions and express their thoughts and feelings. Our everyday lives are shaped by communication and in general language. A persons language can often influence success and happiness. America is viewed as a melting pot for numerous different people and their respective languages. Language is so vital in our society that a person of diverse ethnic background can face many tribulations throughout their everyday life.
Words can wring tears from the hardest hearts,” and it becomes increasingly evident throughout history just how much impact words have, they have power, they have influence, they have in some cases caused reprehensible damage. Language creates the platform from which we derive our ways of communication that allow us to spread values, customs, beliefs as well as build societies, divisions, racecraft, and barriers between individuals. Taking a look at the
The word language is most often associated with speech, yet it is also closely related to power. While many see language as a tool of unification and empowerment, it is also used to silence others. Society gives advantages to individuals that speak the dominant language, and those who are not fluent, are victims of social pressures such as ridicule, harassment, and isolation. Language gives individuals the power to manipulate and oppress others. Oppression occurs when one group has power over another group, and use that power to manipulate. Language gives dominant groups the power to oppress minority individuals through segregation, assimilation and hierarchies.
A 2000 word written linguistic analysis which describes the magic and power of language and in-cludes analysis of a selection of poems /dialogues /songs/ spells from YouTube. Spoken Language is the form of communication unique to the human race that arguably sets us apart from every other species with whom we share planet Earth. The power of language comes from the endless possibilities that can stem from any single use of language. Language possesses power due to the range of purposes it can be used for: to persuade, to motivate, to inform, to inspire, to comfort or even to change the status of relationships, amongst many more.
Language couldn’t exist without culture. They are interlinked with each other. It is human nature to be bonded to a society through the means of culture. The ethics and morals of a society are preserved by language. Its knowledge, history, and customs, its beliefs and its values, its arts, music, and stories resemble the embodiment of culture within a community.
—. Language: Readings in Language and Culture. 6th ed. New York: St. Martin's, 1998. Print.