Download 20110422-2236

Presented by Curtis M. Kularski
What is language?
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 Phonetics (sounds)
 Morphemics (word structure)
 Syntax (sentence structure)
 Semantics (meaning)
Language in Society

Language is essential to communication
Language allows for the exchanging of ideas
Language is a component of social identity
Language difference is a barrier to cultural
accessibility
False Assumptions

Its just about the words
Every language has the same “words”
Some languages are primitive
Externals to Language

 Non-native speakers
 Regionally different dialect speakers
 Disabled individuals
Linguistic Assimilation

Linguistic Assimilation is the process by
which non-native people adapt to and learn
the language of another group
Assimilating language is often a first step to
multiculturalism or cultural assimilation
Sometimes involves dropping “mother
tongue”
Process of Assimilation

 Integration of simple, or important, concepts
 Involves periods of bilingualism
 Host and native language used simultaneously
 Can take several generations to occur
How It Happens

 Exposure
 Media
 Connections
 Formal adult education
 Public education for children
Obstacles to Language
Assimilation

 Unfamiliar syntax
 Lack of cultural understanding
 Difference in formal and casual language
 Slang
Benefits of Assimilation

 Access to educational system
 Access to public services
 Ability to share ideas
 Ability to contribute to host society
 Integration into homogeneous society
Disadvantages of
Assimilation

 Loss of cultural distinctiveness
 Integration into homogeneous society
 Loss of shared language with relatives
 Can create cultural slang
Without Assimilation

 Discrimination based on language
 Students treated as learning disabled
 Native language maintained
 Host culture still “foreign”
 Safety compromised
Culinary Arts and
Linguistic Transition

 Food is a language and assimilation priority
 Food is a cultural element just like language
 Food is often transferred between cultures with
language intact
Language in
Popular Culture

 Sci-fi uses language separation as plot element
 Allows for exploration of quirks of language
 Considers semantic concerns
 Encourages the consideration of language issues
Conclusion

 Language is an essential part of culture
 Linguistic assimilation aids overall assimilation
 Assimilation can harm cultural preservation
 Assimilation is beneficial to cultural preservation
Bibliography
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