Language is a powerful and a necessary tool to communicate and share ideas. Different cultures have different and unique languages or a different dialect at the very least. For example, I was born and raised in Kazakhstan, where we speak both Kazakh and Russian. Our language is a clear factor that determines our identity.
Gender, race and culture are other examples of factors that shape our identity. Language, however, “is instrumental in forming our identity” (Bialystok). We use language every time we talk, write and listen to other people. “Language can be regarded not only as a communication tool but also as an attribute of empowerment and cultural identity” (Clots-Figueras). Without language, humanity would not be able to progress to the …show more content…
It is not my first language, however. I learned Kazakh before Russian. Due to the fact that I lived in other countries and studied in the Russian Embassy Schools, I used Russian most of my time and stopped using Kazakh almost completely. Interestingly, I learned English in India, where I lived for five years. Being a British colony, the country speaks English well. Most of the television programs are in English as well. American cartoons played a huge role in developing my English. Having no access to Russian media, I was forced to consume the local media. Given the fact that I speak Russian at home, I have to switch between the local culture and my culture. Some of the things that are accepted in the local culture are definitely not accepted at home. Speaking informally is not tolerated in my family, for …show more content…
American English, British English, Australian English and English in India are similar. They have their own unique words and almost the same grammar. A person from England can understand an American and an Australian.
Formality of the language depends on circumstances as well. Language used when talking to friends is different from language used when talking to a boss. Thus, formality of the language will change. “Language use symbolically represents fundamental dimensions of social behavior and human interaction” (Wolfram).
Language is a core factor that shapes our identity. We use language all the time and it is different depending on the circumstance and place we are in. Thinking in different languages changes the way we think, and consequently, it changes our identity. I think differently in Russian and in English, however, Russian is more comfortable for me. Furthermore, language is a skill and must be practiced in order to further develop it and to not forget it. I, for example, forgot Kazakh, because I did not practice
Gender, race and culture are other examples of factors that shape our identity. Language, however, “is instrumental in forming our identity” (Bialystok). We use language every time we talk, write and listen to other people. “Language can be regarded not only as a communication tool but also as an attribute of empowerment and cultural identity” (Clots-Figueras). Without language, humanity would not be able to progress to the …show more content…
It is not my first language, however. I learned Kazakh before Russian. Due to the fact that I lived in other countries and studied in the Russian Embassy Schools, I used Russian most of my time and stopped using Kazakh almost completely. Interestingly, I learned English in India, where I lived for five years. Being a British colony, the country speaks English well. Most of the television programs are in English as well. American cartoons played a huge role in developing my English. Having no access to Russian media, I was forced to consume the local media. Given the fact that I speak Russian at home, I have to switch between the local culture and my culture. Some of the things that are accepted in the local culture are definitely not accepted at home. Speaking informally is not tolerated in my family, for …show more content…
American English, British English, Australian English and English in India are similar. They have their own unique words and almost the same grammar. A person from England can understand an American and an Australian.
Formality of the language depends on circumstances as well. Language used when talking to friends is different from language used when talking to a boss. Thus, formality of the language will change. “Language use symbolically represents fundamental dimensions of social behavior and human interaction” (Wolfram).
Language is a core factor that shapes our identity. We use language all the time and it is different depending on the circumstance and place we are in. Thinking in different languages changes the way we think, and consequently, it changes our identity. I think differently in Russian and in English, however, Russian is more comfortable for me. Furthermore, language is a skill and must be practiced in order to further develop it and to not forget it. I, for example, forgot Kazakh, because I did not practice