Language and Culture

Language and Culture

            Mr. Crawley had to interact with the Irish people in order to learn their language. This involved learning their greetings and terms during conversations. Additionally, the language enabled him to respond to cultural aspects presented by the Irish people. Through his journey, he experienced various challenges in learning the language. Pronunciation is one of the challenges involved the incorrect expression of words, which may have resulted in different meanings when interpreted. Further, the pronunciation limited his conversations with others. Translations of the language also would result in different interpretations by Crawley. At the first times, he was required to search for translations as well as appropriate pronunciations of the words to avoid misunderstandings. Irish was the only spoken language during the interactions; thus, he was required to understand the language at a faster rate.

Ideas and concepts used in the Irish language, especially verbs and tenses, were a bit unfamiliar with the speaker. He was required to cross-reference for understanding. Additionally, the speaker was unfamiliar with the pronunciations and needed help from the Irish speakers. This could have slowed the rate at which the speaker acquired the ability to learn the language. The culture shock was experienced by the speaker during language learning. This is because new language acquisition requires fitting in the culture besides learning the language. The shock would have resulted from linguistic differences that portrayed different levels of interactions between the speaker and the Irish nationals. Understanding the language involved experiences and background examination of the language, which could have presented unexpected expectations.

I would choose to save the Welsh language spoken in Wales. The language is estimated to have a high percentage among the endangered languages. Been an indigenous language, only a few Welsh indigenous people converse in the language. This is because the language is highly marginalized as well as experiencing a reduction in linguistic traits among the population. Civilization and increased advocacy for English as a universal language have resulted in less Welsh communication in communities. I would save the language as it is imperative for future generations for cultural and linguistic diversity. Even with the emergence of new languages in the community, linguistic diversity is essential in cultural diversification. Further, saving the language will result in Welsh language recognition in human heritage. Spreading and saving the language as part of heritage will ensure the promotion of the Welsh culture.

Saving the language would involve various challenges. This will involve financial constraints. Conducting the project, finances are required to finance accommodation and transport. The funds are also to provide technical support and technology in language protection.  Interacting with the Welsh speakers would also be challenging as translations, pronunciation, and interpretations of the language would involve referencing with English-conversant speakers or books. This can be challenging, especially in areas whereby Welsh is the only language spoken. Interactions with the natives would require assistance from the locals who understand English. Time constraints would also be experienced. Time limits are essential in every project; therefore, in order to learn the language and culture, I have to project on time required hence setting a deadline. This will also ensure that I fully interact with the existing language speakers in understanding the language domains.  A challenge can also be experienced whereby the natives are reluctant to interact and associate with me in the process. This also follows ethical codes to be observed during the project.

References

It’s a bias. (2014). Irish language in Northern Ireland. Retrieved from https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x19kzi6

The endangered languages project. (2020). Retrieved from http://www.endangeredlanguages.com