Page 107 - Sociology and You

Section 2
Chapter 3 Culture 77 Language and Culture
Key Terms
• symbols • hypothesis of linguistic relativity
Symbols, Language, and Culture
If culture is to be transmitted, it must be learned anew by each gener- ation. Both the creation and the transmission of culture depend heav- ily on the use of symbols. The most powerful symbols are those that make
up language.
What are symbols? In Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass, Humpty Dumpty says to Alice, “When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.” So it is with symbols—things that stand for or represent something else.
Symbols range from physical objects to sounds, smells, and tastes. As you read in Chapter 1, the meaning of a symbol is not based on physical char- acteristics. For example, there is nothing naturally pleasing about the sound created by hands loudly clapping together. Applause warms the heart of an entertainer, a politician, or a high school athlete in the United States, but in Latin America the same sound means disapproval. The ball Mark McGwire hit for his 70th home run in 1998 is a symbol. The Confederate flag that represents oppression for many African Americans and a proud
cultural heritage for many white Southerners is a symbol with
different meanings attached.
How are language and culture related? Language frees humans from the limits of time and place. It allows us to create culture. The Wright brothers’ successful flight did not come just from their own personal efforts. They built their airplane according to principles of flight already existing in American culture. Through lan- guage they could read, discuss, and recombine existing ideas and technology.
Equipped with language, humans can pass
their experiences, ideas, and knowledge to others. Although it may take time and repeti-
tion, children can be taught the dangers of fire
and heights without being burned or toppling down stairs. This process of social learning, of course, applies to other cultural patterns as well, such as eating, showing patriotism, or staying awake in class.
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symbols of language play a role in determining people’s views of reality.
symbol
a thing that stands for or represents something else
umans can create and
transmit culture. The
Some symbols are recognized and understood by people all over the world.