Lecture Notes: Language as Cultural Behavior

Introduction

• Presented by Brian Champion, Political Science and World Politics Librarian.
• Speaker: Professor Paul Warnock, Department of Asian and Near Eastern Languages.
• Topic: Language as Cultural Behavior, Context, Culture, and Communication.
• Sponsored by the library’s House of Learning Lecture Series, contributing to civil discussions of ideas.
• Emphasis on the library as BYU's "house of learning".

About Professor Paul Warnock

• Education:
  • BS in Computing Science with Japanese minor (BYU, 1983).
  • MA in Japanese (BYU, 1989).
  • PhD from The Ohio State University (1996).
• Teaching Experience:
  • Taught Japanese at Columbus State Community College and Middlebury College.
  • Returned to BYU in 1995, focusing on Japanese language and pedagogy.
• Involvement:
  • Served in the Association of Teachers of Japanese.
  • Author of over a dozen articles and papers.

Culture and Language Learning

Definitions of Culture

• Hector Hammerly (1982) classification of culture:
  • Achievement Culture: Arts, literature, hallmarks of civilization.
  • Informational Culture: Facts about a country (geography, history, etc.).
  • Behavioral Culture: Day-to-day life, social practices (e.g., greetings, etiquette).
• Importance of Behavioral Culture in language learning.

Standards of Language Teaching (1996)

• Culture encompasses:
  • Perspectives: Attitudes and values.
  • Practices: Social behavior patterns.
  • Products: Cultural artifacts (books, art, etc.).

Native Speaker Perspectives (Gala Walker, 2000)

• Revealed Culture: Shared aspects of culture.
• Ignored Culture: Aspects not considered until pointed out.
• Suppressed Culture: Aspects that natives may avoid discussing.
• Emphasis on Ignored Culture in language learning to avoid misunderstandings.

Understanding Culture

• Culture shapes consciousness and perspectives.
• Importance of changing one’s viewpoint when learning a new language.
• Examples illustrating cultural misinterpretations.

Cross-Cultural Communication

• Culture affects communication style (high vs. low context).
  • High Context: Japan - communication relies on shared understanding.
  • Low Context: U.S. - explicit communication.
• Recognition that cultural norms may differ significantly, impacting learners' interactions.

Language Structure and Cultural Norms

Japanese Language Characteristics

• Complex linguistic code with varying speech styles based on social context.
• Importance of affiliation and group identity in communication.
• Honorifics and politeness reflected in language structure.
• Other-oriented society compared to the self-oriented U.S. culture.
• Examples of Japanese expressions and their meanings in cultural context.

Language Learning Approach

• FACT Class: Focus on declarative knowledge (grammar, vocabulary, cultural context).
• ACT Class: Focus on procedural knowledge (practice speaking, cultural interactions).
• Emphasis on creating a microcosm of Japanese culture in language practice.

Importance of Context in Language

• Learners must develop scripts for various social situations to guide interactions.
• Help students avoid grammatically correct but culturally inappropriate statements.

Language and Gospel Context

• Importance of studying language for better service and understanding in a spiritual context.
• Christ's teachings encourage understanding of other cultures and languages.

Conclusion

• Learning a language involves both declarative and procedural knowledge, requiring practice and application.
• Seeking to understand celestial culture parallels learning a second language and culture.
• The process of language learning is about adopting a new cultural perspective and behavior.

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Final Thoughts

• Language learning is not just about vocabulary but about understanding and integrating into a new culture.
• Encouragement to view learning as an ongoing process beyond formal education.