Verified Document

Social Capital And Language

Learning an L2 is important because it gives an individual an opportunity to not only learn the way in which a people communicate but also the chance to understand the culture of the community in which the immigrant lives. Language is the expression of culture and the avenue by which all people advance to social, academic and economic success. This paper discusses the meaning of learning a new language in cultural and socio-economic terms and why it is so imperative that people have the supports they need to acquire linguistic skills. Culture, Identity, and Language: Uncovering Human and Social Capital

As Cok and Novak-Lukanovic (n.d.) point out, language is not just the way we use words to communicate -- it is an expression of the totality of our personhood: our culture, our experience, our identity and our awareness. When learners do not become proficient in their L2, they lack the ability to identify the culture of the community in which they live and whose language they are meant to learn. They remain isolated, unable to befriend others or to add to their store of social and human capital assets. By not learning the language, they are not only handicapping their ability to communicate with others in their new...

Instead of assimilating, they remain distant and disconnected and this creates problems for them socially, academically and professionally as they are without the supports they need to succeed in these areas.
When language learners do not become proficient in their L1 either, they are in an even worse position. They are typically without any recourse to assistance and fail to build relationships at all. As Hannum and Cerug (2014) note, the failure to succeed in language learning means that one's opportunities to rise socio-economically are a lot less likely to be made possible. So much depends upon language skills and competencies that to not possess them is to basically never grow, develop, mature or advance beyond the stages of a child.

Language and culture are inexplicably linked because language is an expression of culture -- it is the primary mode in which culture is communicated. Without language -- in all its various forms (written, oral, visual) -- the ideals, values, character, history, and beliefs of a people cannot find expression. Thus, language is the outlet through which…

Sources used in this document:
References

Cox, l. and Novak-Lukanovic, S. (n.d.) Languages as Social Cohesion and Human

Capital. Retrieved from http://www.fm-kp.si/zalozba/ISBN/961dash6486dash71dash3/079dash089.pdf

Hannum, E.C. and Cerug, H.S. (2014). Linguistic Capital, Information Access and Economic Opportunity among Rural Young Adults in Western China. Retrieved from http://repository.upenn.edu/elmm/11
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Language and Social Grouping Language Is Used
Words: 563 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Language and Social Grouping Language is used differently in different geographic groups, ethnic, age, gender, and socioeconomic groups (Williams, 2010). Geographic groups use the same languages in different dialects that belong to the particular geographic regions. Within each language are many different dialects that have been formed with different geographic locations and cultures. Shared words, experiences, cultures, and expressions are ethnic and shared elements of the social fabric. Language of a common

Social Media the Exponential Growth
Words: 6953 Length: 20 Document Type: Thesis

Another common assumption is that the development of virtual social interactions based on the ideal self, is not reflective of how real people will interact with you in the real world and therefore could potentially give the individual a false sense of confidence, regarding their ability to appropriately interact in the real world. Yet, many would also argue that confidence is the most attractive social attribute, almost regardless of

Social Policies in the Workplace
Words: 1644 Length: 5 Document Type: Research Paper

Social work history displays that the desire of social justice is both a task and a myth for employees and their immediate predecessors in organizations. This study provides a critical analysis of Janet Finn's and Maxine Jacobson's work titled "Just Practice." The great focus is on the first and the third chapter where their contributions and critical omissions are identified. Finn and Jacobson have worked hard to illustrate the historical

Language Core Beliefs Domain Centered
Words: 720 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

Social capital can have both positive and negative effects, as is evidenced in the benefits of 'teamwork,' of sharing ideas, of using distinct talents of different workers, and also of soliciting input from individuals with different experiences, both cultural and knowledge-based, that can add to the organization's efficiency. An it person, a person of Japanese-American background, and someone who has studied abroad, for example, could all add input to

Social Vulnerability
Words: 1574 Length: 6 Document Type: Essay

Essay Topic Examples Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Social Vulnerability: This essay topic would delve into how variations in income, education, and occupation can lead to differing levels of social vulnerability within communities. It would explore the systemic challenges that low socioeconomic status presents in the face of natural disasters, health crises, and socioeconomic shifts. The

Social Criticism of "Luces De
Words: 6000 Length: 20 Document Type: Essay

According to Parsons (2003), "Coincident with the growing avant-garde fascination with silent film, cinema was becoming the ultimate embodiment of modern mass culture" (90). The "modern mass culture" that was emerging in Europe at this time was a reactionary one that became known as a bohemian lifestyle that was personified by Valle-Inclan. In this regard, his biographer emphasizes that, "His behavior at the time showed contempt for the rational world

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now