The Importance Of Language And Culture In Black And Santiago

In Roberto Santiago’s “Black and Latino,” he reflects on his cultural self-denial in society’s views between him being African or Latino. Cultural preservation emphasizes the need to protect, restore, and honor all forms of cultural diversity. It allows people to identify with others of similar mindsets and backgrounds. Cultural heritage provides an automatic sense of unity and belonging within a group and allows a person to better understand previous generations and the history of where they come from. As the world becomes westernized, traditional dances, festivals, methods for preparing food, or storing water may become obsolete. Since media and communication are spreading throughout the most remote places on earth, young generations are …show more content…
The relationship between language and culture is deeply rooted and complex, for language is used to maintain and convey culture and cultural ties. Culture is created, shaped, transmitted and learned through communication, and communication practices are largely created, shaped and transmitted by culture. Language is influenced by cultural context and creates a shared meaning that spreads stories, life styles, and purpose. Culture cannot be performed alone or in isolation, it must be spread through relationships, language and communication practices, and interactions with others. In Biblical times, the only way of preserving culture and family history that had been passed down through the ages was orally through language. Languages that die or are on the brink of dying out take a certain piece of culture, history, and science with them that the world may never see again. When a culture’s language has died off, it can be difficult to understand its value and what changes might come about from losing it. In other cultures, their art and music is tied into their language so deeply that it cannot be explained, described, or performed accurately without the native tongue. Language is the ultimate symbol of belonging; it is through language that culture is shared and transmitted. When language is lost, a way of life is being lost, a way of …show more content…
All families have traditions that are passed down from one generation to the next. In the past, when the extended family all lived in one place, traditions were built into the routines of daily life and kept alive by family elders. As family branches diverged and the elders died, the traditions often died with them, slowly destroying the culture. Time-honored traditions and customs that stretch back hundreds and thousands of years are being forgotten. Traditional celebrations are some of the core aspects of any culture. Whether it is a wedding, a harvest festival, a religious holiday, or a national observance, celebrations are woven tightly into a person’s overall cultural identity. Traditions help form the structure and foundation of families and society. They remind people that they are part of a history that defines their past, shapes who they are today and who they are likely to become. Once one ignores the meaning of traditions, they are in danger of damaging the underpinning of culture. In many cultures, for example, it is common to celebrate the transition between childhood and adulthood. That celebration could may have a deep and lasting impact on how that young person sees himself in the future. Cultural traditions also function to strengthen a sense of community. In the United States, Thanksgiving is a national holiday during which families gather together to share