short essay about language and culture

Relationship Between Language and Culture Essay

Introduction, what is culture, relationship between language and culture, role of language in cultural diversity, reference list.

How does culture influence language? An essay isn’t enough to answer this question in detail. The purpose of the paper is to clearly highlight the issue of intercultural communication with reference to language and identity.

Language and culture are intertwined. One cannot define or identify cultural orientations without citing variations in how we speak and write. Thus, to explore the relationship between language and culture, this essay will start by defining the terms separately.

Culture describes variations in values, beliefs, as well as differences in the way people behave (DeVito 2007). Culture encompasses everything that a social group develops or produces.

Element of culture are not genetically transmitted and as such, they have to be passed down from one generation the next through communication. This explains why it is easy to adopt a certain language depending on the shared beliefs, attitudes and values.

The existence of different cultures can be explained using the cultural relativism approach which stipulates that although cultures tend to vary, none is superior to the other (DeVito 2007).

Learning of cultural values can be done through enculturation whereby individuals learn the culture of their birth. Alternatively, one can be acculturated into a culture that is divergent from their basic culture (DeVito 2007).

Language is the verbal channel of communication by articulating words that an individual is conversant with. This is aimed at relaying information. In other words, it is the expression of one’s culture verbally (Jandt 2009).

Language is the first element that helps an individual to distinguish the cultural orientations of individuals. Through language, we are able to differentiate between for example, a Chinese national and a Briton. The main functions of language are generally for information purposes and for the establishment of relationships.

Different cultures perceive the use of language differently. Whereas an American regards it as a useful communication tool, a Chinese will use their language to relay their feelings and to establish relationships.

It is through such variances of language that different cultures have placed on the usage of their language show the link between the two study variables (Jandt 2009).

Intercultural communication refers to communication between people from different cultural backgrounds. Due to the differences in cultures, there is a high probability that a message will be misunderstood and distorted.

Difference in languages leads to challenges in the interpretation of for example, politeness, acts of speech and interaction management. Normally, differences in languages lead to impediments in understanding. This is due to the difference in perception in as far as values are concerned.

Language shapes our lines of thought and as such, it is the core element that shapes how people perceive the world. The way people communicate is largely due to their cultures of origin. Language increases the rate of ethnocentrism in individuals thus furthering their self-centeredness in culture.

As a result, they are less responsive to the different means of communication that are not similar to their own values and beliefs (McGregor eta al 2007).

Language further heightens the aspect of accelerating cultural differences as it openly showcases the variations in communication. In turn, this view tends to impede negatively on intercultural efforts, thereby having a negative impact on the communication between individuals of different cultural orientations.

There is need for individuals to evaluate the usage of language in order to effectively interpret the shared meanings that are meant to be communicated. It is important therefore that individuals from a multi cultural context look at each other beyond their differences in order to enable effective communication.

DeVito, J A. (2006) Human communication the basic course, 10 th edition. Boston, Mass: Pearson / Allyn and Bacon.

Jandt, F E. (2007) An introduction to intercultural communication: identities in global community . Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc.

Mohan, T, McGregor, M T, Saunders, H & Archee, S. (2008) Communicating as a professional . Sydney, Australia: Cengage Learning.

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Connection Between Language and Culture, Essay Example

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It is clear that language affects culture, and culture is also influenced by language. In contemporary society, people from varying cultures have blended, which has led to blending the different languages they have spoken. In some way, they have led to the creation of a new language. It is therefore clear that language evolves as the culture is increasingly blending with other cultures.

How Language Affects Culture and Vice Versa

Language and cultures interact to affect each other. Notably, language develops from a culture where people living in the same society create words that will perfectly understand each other. Cultures develop languages that relate to their actions and customs, evidenced by the fact that there are words that exist in one language and do not exist in another culture (Mahadi and Moghaddas Jafari 230). Through language, the characters of a culture can be identified. For instance, East Asian countries have no word for self-esteem, and this shows that there was no time that self-esteem was discussed. It is also clear that culture can be influenced by language. Different cultures have different habits, and language can be used to show the expected code of conduct (Leveridge 1). For instance, all cultures have words that resemble their actions. For example, in the English culture, one can say “slam the door” instead of “close the door” to show that slamming is probably in anger or disrespect. Cultures that do not mind how loudly a person closes the door can only have words that can translate to close the door.

How The Language I speak Affects the Way I think .

I believe that the language we speak affects the way we think. For instance, when talking of colors, the Dani people from Papua Guinea only describes the colors into forms, classifying them as either dark or bright. This is, however, even though they can see all the colors. This shows that they do not perceive the differences in colors while other languages can see differences. Moreover, the making of words for different cultures can describe the intensity of something better or worse than other cultures. For instance, the Japanese culture is not direct in accepting or denying a person a favor. When they do not want to do a blessing to someone, they are likely to tell someone that they will think about it instead of no. On the other hand, my culture is more direct, and in case one is being denied a favor, he or she is likely to be told no. This difference creates a different thinking pattern amongst people of different cultures.

Why People of The Same Culture Speak the Same Language and How Blended Cultures Are Creating New Languages

People of the same culture speak the same language because as they connect through different activities, they have to develop ways that will increase cohesion and understanding in the community. The human language developed as a survival instinct. It enabled people to communicate to fend off predators and convey different messages to describe the situation at hand. When people of different cultures live together, they are likely to have a blended culture where they can borrow from the languages of both cultures to have a completely different language (Mahadi and Moghaddas Jafari 230). For instance, during slavery, Africans brought to America as slaves had other languages, but as they interacted to form a new culture, they created a new language and a new culture where they could all interact. It is also clear that blending cultures can lead to code-switching. Code-switching is when a person tries to change their accent to fit into a given culture (Hall and Nilep 598). This is usually common with immigrants trying to appear to be natives of a given country. It is typically practiced to increase their chances of being treated as nationals. However, it is likely that even with code-switching, one cannot sound like a native, and this will lead to the creation of a completely different language. Culture blending also leads to communication accommodation where people can change their language to fit in other cultures (Hordila-Vatamanescu, Elena-Madalina, and Pana 280). Accommodation can be convergent where people of a given culture change how they communicate to ensure that other people from different cultures understand them. Communication accommodation can also be divergent where people from one culture use language that people from another culture, who are in their company, will not understand. This shows that people can either connect with other cultures or shut out people from other cultures.

Culture and languages are intertwined. Human beings are social beings, and through socialization, there is the development of culture and language. Culture ensures that the whole socialization group agrees on what they are supposed to do, and language communicated the ideals held by the community. The development of language influences how people think differently, and this is shown by the fact that some cultures might have no word for certain things or feelings. Through the blending of cultures, new languages and new cultures are created. Cultural blending also leads to code-switching, which can create an entirely different language.

Works Cited

Hall, Kira, and Chad Nilep. “28 Code-Switching, Identity, and Globalization.”  Discourse Analysis  (2015): 598.

Hordila-Vatamanescu, Elena-Madalina, and Andra-Dina Pana. “The Application of the Communication Accommodation Theory to Virtual Communities: A Preliminary Research on the Online Identities.”  International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences  5.4 (2010). 280.

Leveridge, Aubrey. “The Relationship Between Language & Culture and The Implications for Language Teaching | Teflnet”. Tefl.Net , 2021, https://www.tefl.net/elt/articles/teacher-technique/language-culture/.

Mahadi, Tengku Sepora Tengku, and Sepideh Moghaddas Jafari. “Language and Culture”  International Journal of Business and Social Science  3.24 (2012). 230-232.

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The Importance of Language on Culture

This essay about the profound impact of language on culture explores how language is not just a means of communication but a foundational element that shapes cultural identity, collective memory, and social dynamics. It highlights language’s role in transmitting heritage, shaping personal and communal identities, and influencing cognitive perceptions. The text also discusses the power dynamics involved in language use and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity to foster cultural understanding and equity in a globalized world.

How it works

Language embodies more than mere communication; it encapsulates the very soul of culture. Within its intricate web lie the narratives, convictions, and ethos of a people. It serves as the conduit through which legacies are passed down, tales are exchanged, and identities are woven. The significance of language in shaping culture cannot be overstressed; it molds our perceptions, social interactions, and self-awareness.

At its essence, language is the primary vessel through which culture transcends generations. It imparts not only the art of expressing thoughts and sentiments but also the art of navigating the labyrinthine terrain of social norms and traditions that define our societies.

From the intimate cadences of familial vernaculars to the grandeur of national tongues, each linguistic framework carries a treasure trove of cultural wisdom that informs our outlook on life.

Moreover, language plays a pivotal role in shaping our sense of self. Our native tongue is more than a tool for communication; it is a cornerstone of our identity. The lexicon we employ, the colloquialisms we embrace, and the accents we bear serve as hallmarks of our cultural heritage and individuality. In an era where globalization threatens to homogenize diverse cultures, language stands as a potent emblem of our unique origins and individuality.

Language also serves as a reservoir of communal memory, safeguarding the sagacity and narratives of bygone eras. Through oral histories, folklore, and literary masterpieces, cultures immortalize their past and impart invaluable lessons to posterity. Whether through epic sagas chronicling ancestral valor or folk melodies commemorating collective triumphs, language enables us to commune with our heritage and draw strength from our shared legacy.

Furthermore, language molds our perception of the world. Linguistic variances not only shape our mode of communication but also influence our cognitive constructs. For instance, languages lacking specific terms for certain emotions or concepts may prompt distinct interpretations of those experiences. Similarly, grammatical structures and linguistic patterns can shape our thought processes, profoundly influencing our cognitive landscape.

Additionally, language serves as a conduit between disparate cultures, fostering communication and nurturing empathy. In an era of globalization, multilingualism opens doors to novel vistas and perspectives. By acquainting ourselves with foreign languages, we gain insight into diverse cultures, customs, and ways of life, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Nevertheless, the impact of language on culture transcends mere communication; it intersects with issues of power, privilege, and social equity. Historically, dominant languages have been wielded as tools of oppression, marginalizing indigenous tongues and subjugating cultural identities. Hence, efforts to revitalize endangered languages are imperative not only for preserving cultural diversity but also for dismantling systems of inequality and reclaiming linguistic sovereignty.

In summation, language embodies the essence of culture itself. Through language, we transmit our heritage, sculpt our identities, and interpret the world. Amidst an increasingly interconnected world, it is imperative to acknowledge and celebrate the plurality of languages and cultures that enrich our collective human experience. Only by embracing linguistic diversity can we genuinely appreciate the kaleidoscope of human existence and ensure that every voice is acknowledged and cherished.

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Speaking, writing and reading are integral to everyday life, where language is the primary tool for expression and communication. Studying how people use language – what words and phrases they unconsciously choose and combine – can help us better understand ourselves and why we behave the way we do.

Linguistics scholars seek to determine what is unique and universal about the language we use, how it is acquired and the ways it changes over time. They consider language as a cultural, social and psychological phenomenon.

“Understanding why and how languages differ tells about the range of what is human,” said Dan Jurafsky , the Jackson Eli Reynolds Professor in Humanities and chair of the Department of Linguistics in the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford . “Discovering what’s universal about languages can help us understand the core of our humanity.”

The stories below represent some of the ways linguists have investigated many aspects of language, including its semantics and syntax, phonetics and phonology, and its social, psychological and computational aspects.

Understanding stereotypes

Stanford linguists and psychologists study how language is interpreted by people. Even the slightest differences in language use can correspond with biased beliefs of the speakers, according to research.

One study showed that a relatively harmless sentence, such as “girls are as good as boys at math,” can subtly perpetuate sexist stereotypes. Because of the statement’s grammatical structure, it implies that being good at math is more common or natural for boys than girls, the researchers said.

Language can play a big role in how we and others perceive the world, and linguists work to discover what words and phrases can influence us, unknowingly.

How well-meaning statements can spread stereotypes unintentionally

New Stanford research shows that sentences that frame one gender as the standard for the other can unintentionally perpetuate biases.

Algorithms reveal changes in stereotypes

New Stanford research shows that, over the past century, linguistic changes in gender and ethnic stereotypes correlated with major social movements and demographic changes in the U.S. Census data.

Exploring what an interruption is in conversation

Stanford doctoral candidate Katherine Hilton found that people perceive interruptions in conversation differently, and those perceptions differ depending on the listener’s own conversational style as well as gender.

Cops speak less respectfully to black community members

Professors Jennifer Eberhardt and Dan Jurafsky, along with other Stanford researchers, detected racial disparities in police officers’ speech after analyzing more than 100 hours of body camera footage from Oakland Police.

How other languages inform our own

People speak roughly 7,000 languages worldwide. Although there is a lot in common among languages, each one is unique, both in its structure and in the way it reflects the culture of the people who speak it.

Jurafsky said it’s important to study languages other than our own and how they develop over time because it can help scholars understand what lies at the foundation of humans’ unique way of communicating with one another.

“All this research can help us discover what it means to be human,” Jurafsky said.

Stanford PhD student documents indigenous language of Papua New Guinea

Fifth-year PhD student Kate Lindsey recently returned to the United States after a year of documenting an obscure language indigenous to the South Pacific nation.

Students explore Esperanto across Europe

In a research project spanning eight countries, two Stanford students search for Esperanto, a constructed language, against the backdrop of European populism.

Chris Manning: How computers are learning to understand language​

A computer scientist discusses the evolution of computational linguistics and where it’s headed next.

Stanford research explores novel perspectives on the evolution of Spanish

Using digital tools and literature to explore the evolution of the Spanish language, Stanford researcher Cuauhtémoc García-García reveals a new historical perspective on linguistic changes in Latin America and Spain.

Language as a lens into behavior

Linguists analyze how certain speech patterns correspond to particular behaviors, including how language can impact people’s buying decisions or influence their social media use.

For example, in one research paper, a group of Stanford researchers examined the differences in how Republicans and Democrats express themselves online to better understand how a polarization of beliefs can occur on social media.

“We live in a very polarized time,” Jurafsky said. “Understanding what different groups of people say and why is the first step in determining how we can help bring people together.”

Analyzing the tweets of Republicans and Democrats

New research by Dora Demszky and colleagues examined how Republicans and Democrats express themselves online in an attempt to understand how polarization of beliefs occurs on social media.

Examining bilingual behavior of children at Texas preschool

A Stanford senior studied a group of bilingual children at a Spanish immersion preschool in Texas to understand how they distinguished between their two languages.

Predicting sales of online products from advertising language

Stanford linguist Dan Jurafsky and colleagues have found that products in Japan sell better if their advertising includes polite language and words that invoke cultural traditions or authority.

Language can help the elderly cope with the challenges of aging, says Stanford professor

By examining conversations of elderly Japanese women, linguist Yoshiko Matsumoto uncovers language techniques that help people move past traumatic events and regain a sense of normalcy.

Essays About Language: Top 5 Examples and 7 Prompts

Language is the key to expressive communication; let our essay examples and writing prompts inspire you if you are writing essays about language.

When we communicate with one another, we use a system called language. It mainly consists of words, which, when combined, form phrases and sentences we use to talk to one another. However, some forms of language do not require written or verbal communication, such as sign language. 

Language can also refer to how we write or say things. For example, we can speak to friends using colloquial expressions and slang, while academic writing demands precise, formal language. Language is a complex concept with many meanings; discover the secrets of language in our informative guide.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. a global language: english language by dallas ryan , 2. language and its importance to society by shelly shah, 3. language: the essence of culture by kelsey holmes.

• 4.  Foreign Language Speech by Sophie Carson
• 5. ​​Attitudes to Language by Kurt Medina

1. My Native Language

2. the advantages of bilingualism, 3. language and technology, 4. why language matters, 5. slang and communication, 6. english is the official language of the u.s..

“Furthermore, using English, people can have more friends, widen peer relationships with foreigners and can not get lost. Overall, English becomes a global language; people may have more chances in communication. Another crucial advantage is improving business. If English was spoken widespread and everyone could use it, they would likely have more opportunities in business. Foreign investments from rich countries might be supported to the poorer countries.”

In this essay, Ryan enumerates both the advantages and disadvantages of using English; it seems that Ryan proposes uniting the world under the English language. English, a well-known and commonly-spoken language can help people to communicate better, which can foster better connections with one another. However, people would lose their native language and promote a specific culture rather than diversity. Ultimately, Ryan believes that English is a “global language,” and the advantages outweigh the disadvantages

“Language is a constituent element of civilization. It raised man from a savage state to the plane which he was capable of reaching. Man could not become man except by language. An essential point in which man differs from animals is that man alone is the sole possessor of language. No doubt animals also exhibit certain degree of power of communication but that is not only inferior in degree to human language, but also radically diverse in kind from it.”

Shah writes about the meaning of language, its role in society, and its place as an institution serving the purposes of the people using it. Most importantly, she writes about why it is necessary; the way we communicate through language separates us as humans from all other living things. It also carries individual culture and allows one to convey their thoughts. You might find our list of TOEFL writing topics helpful.

“Cultural identity is heavily dependent on a number of factors including ethnicity, gender, geographic location, religion, language, and so much more.  Culture is defined as a “historically transmitted system of symbols, meanings, and norms.”  Knowing a language automatically enables someone to identify with others who speak the same language.  This connection is such an important part of cultural exchange”

In this short essay, Homes discusses how language reflects a person’s cultural identity and the importance of communication in a civilized society. Different communities and cultures use specific sounds and understand their meanings to communicate. From this, writing was developed. Knowing a language makes connecting with others of the same culture easier. 

4.   Foreign Language Speech by Sophie Carson

“Ultimately, learning a foreign language will improve a child’s overall thinking and learning skills in general, making them smarter in many different unrelated areas. Their creativity is highly improved as they are more trained to look at problems from different angles and think outside of the box. This flexible thinking makes them better problem solvers since they can see problems from different perspectives. The better thinking skills developed from learning a foreign language have also been seen through testing scores.”

Carson writes about some of the benefits of learning a foreign language, especially during childhood. During childhood, the brain is more flexible, and it is easier for one to learn a new language in their younger years. Among many other benefits, bilingualism has been shown to improve memory and open up more parts of a child’s brain, helping them hone their critical thinking skills. Teaching children a foreign language makes them more aware of the world around them and can open up opportunities in the future.

5. ​​ Attitudes to Language by Kurt Medina

“Increasingly, educators are becoming aware that a person’s native language is an integral part of who that person is and marginalizing the language can have severe damaging effects on that person’s psyche. Many linguists consistently make a case for teaching native languages alongside the target languages so that children can clearly differentiate among the codes”

As its title suggests, Medina’s essay revolves around different attitudes towards types of language, whether it be vernacular language or dialects. He discusses this in the context of Caribbean cultures, where different dialects and languages are widespread, and people switch between languages quickly. Medina mentions how we tend to modify the language we use in different situations, depending on how formal or informal we need to be. 

6 Prompts for Essays About Language

In your essay, you can write about your native language. For example, explain how it originated and some of its characteristics. Write about why you are proud of it or persuade others to try learning it. To add depth to your essay, include a section with common phrases or idioms from your native language and explain their meaning.

Bilingualism has been said to enhance a whole range of cognitive skills, from a longer attention span to better memory. Look into the different advantages of speaking two or more languages, and use these to promote bilingualism. Cite scientific research papers and reference their findings in your essay for a compelling piece of writing.

In the 21st century, the development of new technology has blurred the lines between communication and isolation; it has undoubtedly changed how we interact and use language. For example, many words have been replaced in day-to-day communication by texting lingo and slang. In addition, technology has made us communicate more virtually and non-verbally. Research and discuss how the 21st century has changed how we interact and “do language” worldwide, whether it has improved or worsened. 

We often change how we speak depending on the situation; we use different words and expressions. Why do we do this? Based on a combination of personal experience and research, reflect on why it is essential to use appropriate language in different scenarios.

Different cultures use different forms of slang. Slang is a type of language consisting of informal words and expressions. Some hold negative views towards slang, saying that it degrades the language system, while others believe it allows people to express their culture. Write about whether you believe slang should be acceptable or not: defend your position by giving evidence either that slang is detrimental to language or that it poses no threat.

English is the most spoken language in the United States and is used in government documents; it is all but the country’s official language. Do you believe the government should finally declare English the country’s official language? Research the viewpoints of both sides and form a conclusion; support your argument with sufficient details and research. 

Check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays .If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, check out our guide on how to write an essay about diversity .

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Essay on The Importance of Language

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Related Essays on Language

Language, often regarded as one of humanity's most remarkable inventions, wields unparalleled power in shaping our understanding of the world. It is a tool of communication that transcends mere words, influencing how we perceive [...]

Language is a remarkable tool that humans have developed to communicate, express ideas, and convey emotions. Throughout history, words have played a pivotal role in shaping societies, driving change, and influencing the course [...]

Communication is not just about the words we speak; it also involves the use of nonverbal cues such as language. language plays a crucial role in conveying our thoughts, feelings, and intentions to others. In fact, research [...]

Firoozeh Dumas' essay, "The F Word," addresses a significant social and cultural issue that continues to impact individuals from different backgrounds and ethnicities. In her essay, Dumas explores the complexities of her name [...]

Over the course of history many governments, political figures, religious groups, and other organizations have used language to influence the population of every geographical area. Understanding that language and how it can be [...]

Language learning strategies are methods that facilitate a language learning task. Strategies are goal-driven procedures and most often conscious techniques. Learning strategies usually used especially in the beginning of a new [...]

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