Implications of Culture on Language | Amirpooya Dardashti | TEDxTAMU

Summary

The speaker, having experienced cultures of the United States and Iran, discusses the profound impact of culture on language and communication. Through teaching English in Iran, they illustrate how cultural nuances, such as the Persian term 'tarof' and non-verbal cues, can drastically alter the interpretation of verbal and non-verbal expressions. The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural diversity in a multicultural world, especially for educators, to enrich language learning with cultural context.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ Culture is closely tied to food and can be a source of bonding over a meal.
• 🗣️ Language is significantly influenced by culture and can impact communication in various ways.
• 🌐 Growing up in different cultures, such as the United States and Iran, provides unique perspectives on the relationship between culture and language.
• 👨‍🏫 Teaching English in Iran highlighted the dynamic interaction between cultural norms and language usage.
• 🤔 Misunderstandings can arise from direct translations of words that carry different connotations in different cultures.
• 🤝 The term 'master' in Persian for a teacher signifies a high level of respect, different from the Western connotation.
• 💬 Even simple phrases like 'Don't be tired' can have layered meanings in different cultural contexts.
• 🤔 Nonverbal communication, such as body gestures, can have entirely different interpretations across cultures.
• 🤗 In East Asia and the Middle East, folding arms can indicate contemplation and wisdom, contrasting with the Western view of being unfriendly.
• 🏺 Cultural concepts like 'tarof' in Persian culture are integral to understanding social interactions and cannot be grasped without cultural context.
• 🚖 The story of the European friend and the cab driver in Iran illustrates the confusion that can arise from a lack of cultural understanding.
• 🌍 With over 1.35 billion English speakers worldwide, many of whom are multicultural, it's important to recognize and respect cultural diversity in communication.
• 🏛️ The United States exemplifies a multicultural environment, with 67 million individuals speaking languages other than English as of 2018.
• 💡 As educators and language instructors, it's crucial to foster an appreciation for the cultural richness that students bring to the classroom.
• 🌈 Recognizing and learning from cultural differences is an opportunity for growth and understanding, rather than a source of conflict.

Q & A

What is the first cultural aspect the speaker associates with the word 'culture'?

The speaker first associates the word 'culture' with food, as it is a universal way to bond over a great meal.

How does the speaker's experience of living in the United States and Iran influence their understanding of culture and language?

The speaker's experience living in two different countries exposes them to distinct cultures, which helps them understand the dynamic relationship between culture and language, especially in the context of teaching English in Iran.

What was the speaker's initial reaction when a student addressed them as 'master'?

The speaker was shocked and initially did not know how to respond, thinking it was a scene from the movie 'Karate Kid'.

What did the speaker learn about the Persian word for teacher that is similar to 'master'?

The speaker learned that the Persian word for teacher, when translated to English, signifies a high degree of respect that a student holds for their teacher, similar to the term 'master'.

How did the speaker interpret the students' statement 'Don’t be tired.' after a long day of teaching?

The speaker was unsure whether it was encouragement or mockery. However, a colleague explained that it was similar to saying 'thank you' in English, but with a connotation that acknowledges the mental and physical efforts put into teaching.