What role does the target language (new language) play in cultural assimilation
and what does language use tell us about the identity development of the speaker?
6 thoughts on “Discussion post 10-2”
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Learning a new language is super important for fitting into a new culture. It helps you talk with people, understand the culture, and be part of the community. Being good at the new language also helps you access things like jobs and services. The way you use the language shows a lot about who you are. Your choice of words, how you talk, and even your accent can reveal where you come from and how well you’ve adjusted to the new culture.
Basically, the new language is like a tool that helps you express yourself and build an identity that blends your old and new cultures. How someone talks—like the words they use, how they say them, and even their accent—can tell us a lot about who they are. It gives us clues about where they come from and how they’ve adapted to different cultures. The way people express themselves in language also shows their personal experiences and feelings, shaping a unique identity. So, language is like a mirror reflecting the different parts of a person’s background and who they’ve become.
Thank you.
The key roles target language plays in cultural assimilation is as follows. The target language influences communication, integration, brings about cultural awareness and understanding, aids in building social relationships, creates an emotional connection, provides linguistic access to culture, and develops identities.
Language use provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between an individual’s cultural background and their evolving identity in a new cultural context.
Good, but can you elaborate with more examples?
For example, I live in the Bronx and many people in my neighborhood don’t speak English but they know enough to get by. At times you can’t build a relationship with some of them if you don’t speak their native language because they are not comfortable with the English language. I am fortunate to be bilingual but there are plenty nice English speakers that will never assimilate culturally or integrate due to the language barrier.
Good. Thanks for expanding!