2006-06-21 16:11:19 · 16 answers · asked by Kraljica Katica 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I change in my ideas on this from time to time. There was a period a couple of years ago where I felt very strongly that culture and language were exactly the same thing. Now I am a little looser on that position.
Nevertheless, you could argue that it's impossible to understand a new culture even if you do learn the language, because you are still influenced by your native culture.
However, there is also the possibility that someone who grew up in a certain culture can't completely understand it, because he/she is not able to fully observe and appreciate things that are so familiar.
2006-06-22 13:59:29 · answer #1 · answered by drshorty 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
A lot is lost in translation, no matte where you are. No, I don't think you can understand a culture, fully, without knowing the exact dialect of the language/ culture. You can get a small view if you are imbedded in the culture for quite some time but, there are always going to be those things lost. You will never fully understand some cultures that have been though hardships unless you were there to expierence them as well.
2006-06-21 16:21:25 · answer #2 · answered by BUD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not possible. In order to truly and fully understand a culture, you have to learn about every aspect of it. The culture's language and dialect plays an important role on said culture.
2016-05-20 10:17:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually I must say no. To begin to understand a people and their culture you need to speak their language. This is one of your questions that I feel is truly interesting.
2006-06-21 17:05:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No - I don't believe it's possible to truly understand any culture unless you live it. And that includes speaking the language.
2006-06-21 16:15:39 · answer #5 · answered by Granny Fran 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is possible to understand a culture unless you can speak the language, Ive lived in a few different countries one of them for nearly eleven years the language i was quite fluent with and under stood many others.
but you do really need to be there to understand all there little idiosyncrasies and to be able to feel their loves and hates and to be part of the community,??
2006-06-21 17:18:06 · answer #6 · answered by Ronnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
great question. I dont think so. You need that insider tip - the ability to speak what they speak and understand the quirks of their mentality only through understanding how their main way of communication works - their language
2006-06-23 09:00:21 · answer #7 · answered by Jackie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. In my lessons of antropology Franz Boas said language is the most important factor to understand another culture.
2006-06-23 05:43:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd like to think so, but not really. seeing as i'm fluent in two languages, and appreciate the culture of other places....i cant really say! i appreciate french and spanish culture much more though.
2006-06-21 16:22:41 · answer #9 · answered by addictive personality 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anthropologically speaking, no.
Do research on "linguistic anthropology". Columbia U in New York, NY has a good program.
2006-06-21 18:29:20 · answer #10 · answered by queenbee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋