What is knowledge? In a layman term, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, knowledge is defined as ‘the fact or condition of having acquired a practical understanding or command of, or competence or skill in a particular subject, language, etc through instruction, study or practice skill or expertise acquired in a certain subject through learning’ (Oxford English Dictionary, 2014 Oxford University Press).
On the other hand, in the sociology of knowledge, it is defined as the study of the relationship between human thought and the social context within which it arises. It questions both the extent and limits of social influences on individuals’ lives and the basics of our knowledge about the world. The sociology of knowledge can also be found in Michel Foucault’s works. In his writings - Madness and Civilization (1961) posits that origin of madness and what was considered as "reason" or "knowledge" was a subject to major culture bias. In Discipline and Punish: the Birth of the Prison, Foucault focuses on the relationship between knowledge and power. According to Foucault, knowledge …show more content…
Thus, language is power. In my position as a student who has been exposed to the English language since young has shaped the way on how I perceive certain matters. As opposed to my relatives who were mostly Chinese educated, I believe that learning various languages is a benefit and it empowers an individual in a society. Additionally, it was also because I had the opportunity to attend college and university that shaped the way I think about language. I was exposed to another level of education which my relatives did not receive. Being exposed to both the American and British education system, I was taught to think more critically and have wider perspectives on ideas and matters. I believe that being equipped with the proficiency of a few languages is knowledge of its own and that this is
On the other hand, in the sociology of knowledge, it is defined as the study of the relationship between human thought and the social context within which it arises. It questions both the extent and limits of social influences on individuals’ lives and the basics of our knowledge about the world. The sociology of knowledge can also be found in Michel Foucault’s works. In his writings - Madness and Civilization (1961) posits that origin of madness and what was considered as "reason" or "knowledge" was a subject to major culture bias. In Discipline and Punish: the Birth of the Prison, Foucault focuses on the relationship between knowledge and power. According to Foucault, knowledge …show more content…
Thus, language is power. In my position as a student who has been exposed to the English language since young has shaped the way on how I perceive certain matters. As opposed to my relatives who were mostly Chinese educated, I believe that learning various languages is a benefit and it empowers an individual in a society. Additionally, it was also because I had the opportunity to attend college and university that shaped the way I think about language. I was exposed to another level of education which my relatives did not receive. Being exposed to both the American and British education system, I was taught to think more critically and have wider perspectives on ideas and matters. I believe that being equipped with the proficiency of a few languages is knowledge of its own and that this is