* Pick one concept from the assigned reading, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
The topic language and cultural difference always fascinates me, given that I was born and raised in Brazil. Personal experiences not only taught me how to understand cultural differences but also taught me how to respect different cultures.
Trenholm clearly states that “even when they have learned the vocabulary and grammar of each other’s language, they may still experience problems, for languages differ in many other ways” (p. 96). This is so true! Mastering a given language is not guarantee that the communication between people from different cultures will flow smoothly.
I remember that on my first year living in the U.S. someone made the gesture “ok” in response to something I said. I thought this was so disrespectful. I went home so mad. But talking to my husband about the incident, I found out that this gesture has different meaning in Brazilian and American societies. In Brazil, the American gesture for "OK" has an obscene meaning and is considered very rude. It would be like giving somebody the middle finger.
At that time, although I already knew how to speak English, I did not know about this cultural difference. At the end, I could not help but laugh. Imagining how many other incidents like that I would encounter during my staying in America completely opened my eyes to the fact that cultural differences, independently of being subtle or evident, is a serious thing. Indeed, being in contact with a foreign culture allows one to better understand and respect cultural differences.
Ibirapuera
W16 - Discussion Question # 3
16 years ago
ibirapuera,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. I definitely agree with you that even when you have learned the vocabulary of a language you don't necessarily know other aspects of that language; like the culture, saying, metaphors, figures of speech, or what you mentioned gestures.
When I was a young kid my older brother's friend told my little sister who was 5 at the time that the signal for ok/good job was basically flipping someone off. She would constantly tell me how people were giving her the finger, and we thought it was odd until we found out that they we essentially giving her a thumbs up/good job.
Not only did you learn the vocabulary but now that you are in the U.S you are thrown into a different culture than your own. It must be difficult for you in certain situations to figure out the meaning of certain communication
:)
Thank you for sharing your personal experience about cultural differences within language, especially non-verbal language. This is a relevant and important topic since there are so many cultures out there with many ways of speaking, behaving, acting and overall communicating. Even if one lives within the same country, there may be regional differences; for instance, in northern California, we call Highway 280, “280” whereas in Southern California, they tend to say “the 280”. Verbally speaking a language is only part of a culture and of communicating; there are different non-verbal language cues that has meanings that may vary within different cultures. Language is a vital part of society and it is such a complex system of words, sounds, and general communicating that it becomes important in what and how we say things and act to another, especially since there are many ways to communicate, based on the context of the situation. In respect to those cultural differences, as you stated previously, we should try to understand and respect the differences in culture and the language that follows it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marikamania.
ReplyDeleteYou also used an interesting example. I enjoyed reading your comment.
Although I have been in the States for almost four years, I am constantly learning something new about the American culture, i.e., idiomatic expressions, slangs, and so forth.
Ibirapuera
Hello Scorpiochild2803,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome.
You are absolutely right. When it comes to cultural differences, out first though is directed to cultures different than ours, but like you said, there are cultural differences within the same culture. I heard about this regional difference the first time I went to Southern California years ago.
Honestly, while I was living in Brazil I was not so conscious about cultural differences as I am now. Indeed living abroad is an enormous opportunity to broaden our horizons.
Ibirapuera
I truly do agree with your post about their being differences in langauage and culture. Even though we might speak and write the same language their might be some cultural misunderstandings. Especially non verbal gestures. I think the example of someone from the United States giving someone the ok signal to someone from another culture is hilarious because it could be perceived as disrepectful to someone else culture. Thats why interpersonal communication between two people from two different cultures is fascinating to me. Its always interesting to talk to other people.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, Orson. I am sure you can imagine how mad I was when the response for my comment was the ok signal. (-: However, when I think about it now, I can not help but laugh. :-)
ReplyDeleteIbirapuera