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How does culture influence language?

A main example in the Italian Language

In many different languages, it is apparent that the culture has a major influence on the language and how many sayings are said. A prime example of this is in the Italian language, it is common for someone to say "due dita di vino e una pedata al medico" which translates to "two drops of wine and we can kick the doctor out the door”. The same saying is used in the English language, but it is said as “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. The main reason it is said differently is because of the cultural differences between the two countries and because of how in Italy and Italian culture, there is a centrality of food and wine.

Here is a look at how culture impacts the way you think and speak in the English language

More about how culture has a major impact on the Italian language:

A major difference between the English language and the Italian language is the use of expressions and body language. As many people know, Italians are commonly known to be more naturally expressive in their tone of voice, facial expressions and, of course, body language. We all have seen someone do the hand motion when referring to Italians, which is actually something that happens quite often in conversation in Italy. This is because of the importance of body language in the culture of Italy. Italians often motion with their hands to emphasize their point. It is common that Italians will use many different gestures during communication and consider how much you use your own in comparison. For me, since I have grown up in an Italian family my whole life. this is something that my friends often point out when I am in conversation with them, because I often rely on gestures and body language a lot as well in my communication.

Does Culture Influence Language?

Does culture influence language? That is the question that everyone asks. Environmental background as well as culture aspects play a major role in indicating the difference within many different cultures. Culture is quite essential in transmitting our thought by thought language. There is a strong connection between language and culture, which is closely connected. It is undeniable that culture is a huge part of the social aspect of language and culture has a very big influence on human behavior. Culture has a major impact on the way someone chooses the words they choose, on how they communicate with one another, on how they choose to communicate, and the manner in which they communicate. No one can deny that culture plays a major role and it is inevitable that culture will always influence any given language.

This project allowed me to see more connections between language and culture and it allowed me to understand how different cultures play major roles in language. I was able to notice major ways in which culture affects and influences the Italian language and it also allowed me to notice different ways in which culture plays a major role in different languages overall, such as the way eye contact is used, the way gestures and body language is used, and just in the way language is used differently within different cultures overall.

Credits:

Created with images by Hans - "flag banner italy" • JoshuaWoroniecki - "international flags un" • Aktim - "american flag american flag waving flag" • SJPrice - "italy flag italian"