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  2. 教員が語る専門領域の魅力
  3. 教員が語る専門領域の魅力 vol.15 T. J. アレン 助教

教員が語る専門領域の魅力 vol.14

T. J. アレン 助教

Sociolinguistics: Understanding the relationship between language, culture and interaction

T. J. アレン 助教

Profile

I am interested in understanding the relationship between language, culture and interaction. Language skills such as reading, listening, speaking and writing are important, but without knowing the culture, one may find it difficult to “perform language” in particular contexts. Specifically, I am interested in English and Japanese sociolinguistics. I investigate the social/cultural influences on language, native speakers’ awareness of linguistic concepts, and how people communicate across cultures.

What is sociolinguistics?

 Sociolinguistics is a vast field of research with a very long history. Researchers have been interested in the ways in which language, culture and interaction are interrelated for some time. In sociolinguistics, researchers describe the effect of any and all aspects of society and language, including social and cultural norms, expectations, and the ways in which language is performed in various contexts. Sociolinguistics is closely related to the study of pragmatics (the study of how language is performed). Sociolinguists investigate how elements of society are reflected in language. They also study language varieties such as dialects, as well as how language differs between socially different groups of people. Research in this area is imperative because language is a social concept, and it (and culture) continually adapts and changes like a living organism.

The relationship between language and culture

 Language and culture are connected. How one performs language in a particular context is influenced by their culture. Of course, the particular language you speak, also influences the way in which you perceive the world. If you are a sociolinguist, it is important to understand the ways in which language and culture influence each other. Rita Mae Brown suggests, “Language is the roadmap of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going”. Studying sociolinguistics, culture and/or pragmatics will not only help you understand yourself and your cultural milieu, but it will also help you understand others.

Knowing more about different languages and cultures

 Students at Kansai University not only learn language-related skills (e.g., reading, speaking), they also learn how to communicate with others who are from varying cultural backgrounds and who speak languages other than Japanese. Drawing on sociolinguistic and pragmatic research, students explore the ways in which people differ – their perceptions of the world, their beliefs and values, and their communication styles. Students learn to appreciate and understand cultural and linguistic diversity by increasing their awareness of various language varieties (e.g., Australian-English), and discovering ways in which their own native language and culture also differs (e.g., various dialects and micro-cultures in Japan). Students develop tools to be culturally sensitive and aware, and progress to be confident in their intercultural communicative abilities, so that in the future, they can be competent global citizens.

学生のみなさんへのメッセージ

 “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead
I encourage you to come to Kansai University and change the world.