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6 I The Best Online Education System in the world
LANGUAGE - HEART AND CULTURE OF PEOPLE
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980, University of the Philippines College of Manila
AB Political Science
Language is a vital means of communication to other people and it is tantamount to saying that it is the heart
and culture of people. When we say, it is the heart; it only means that we cannot do without it for we can
express and interact with others through language. We can also connect with other people; make sense of our
experiences through language. Likewise, we can also let others know how we feel, what we need, ask questions
and these could all be done through language. Thus, for communication to take place, we do not just listen but
also speak through language.
The same thing holds true when we say that language can help us learn the cultures of other people. When we
get to know other people’s language, we get to know their culture too. A typical example is when we go to
other places, for instance in Spain, we should more or less know the Spanish language for us to be able to
communicate with them. Many people are afraid of those from other countries, simply because they don’t
know the language of that particular person. This lack of knowledge of other people’s language makes them
feel threatened by someone from another land and culture but when they start to talk to each other and know
a little of their language, that fear subsides.
Language can be a big barrier that cuts us off from others and that is the reason why we should try to know
and interest our self with other languages too. It can develop and grow with time for it reflects history and it
grows as our knowledge of the world grows. Besides strong language skills, it can be an asset which in turn
promotes a lifetime of effective communication. When we try to delve into a certain language and not the only
language that we know, we get to know the culture of that particular country. We get to interact with its people
and know all about there is to know about their culture.
Language and culture play a very important role in all communities. People’s culture can be expressed, seen
and shown through language, which is a very effective means of communication. There is no doubt that
language and culture are link together. We must admit that it acts as a significant feature in
intercommunication as well as a vital factor in culture interaction. A powerful play is what language does in the
communication world.
Whether we like it or not, as per the 2012 International Conference on Language, Medias and Culture,
language is a vital factor that influences human life progress which does not only improve our quality of life but
it also shows how people live and think. This only proves the fact that language is the heart and culture of
people from all walks of life.
Questions for discussion:
1. How does language play an important part in a person’s life?
2. Can we do without language? Elaborate on your answer.
3. In what way can language best show the heart and culture of people? Explain your answer.
4. Do you consider language as a very important means of communication? In what way or ways can you
consider it as one?
5. Do you agree to the fact that language plays a vital role in the interaction of human beings? Why or why not?