Key points two chapters by Kramsch

 Key points from the two chapters by Kramsch

1. Read Kramsch (1998/2006) chs. 1 and 5 (uploaded under literature)

Chapter 1:

Starts to identify what we mean by culture. “One way of thinking about culture is to contrast it with nature. Nature refers to what is born and grows organically (from the Latin nascere: to be born); culture refers to what has been grown and groomed (from the Latin colere: to cultivate).” (pp. 4) → Nature vs. nurture

There are three key dimensions in which language and culture interact:

1. Language serves as an expression of cultural reality. Through words and linguistic structures, individuals articulate their experiences, thoughts, and emotions in ways that are shaped by their cultural background. Each language carries its own set of connotations, idioms and metaphors, which are deeply rooted in historical and social contexts. For example,proverbs and expressions often reveal a culture’s values. 

2. Language is an embodiment of cultural identity. This means that the way we speak and communicate is influenced by cultural habits. It’s not just about the words - gestures, tone of voice, and conversation styles also matter. For example, in some cultures, people speak very directly, while in others, indirect communication is preferred to be more polite. A handshake, bow, or kiss on the cheek can all be ways of greeting someone, depending on the culture. 

3. Language is a symbol of cultural identity. The way people speak, including their accent or choice of words, often shows where they come from. Language can also separate groups from one another. In some countries, people fight to keep their language alive because it represents their cultural heritage. When a language disappears, a part of the culture disappears too. 

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

This hypothesis suggests that language influences the way people think. Different languages may shape how people see the world. For example, some languages have many words for different types of snow, while others do not. This leads to the belief that speakers of those languages might notice different details about snow that others don't.

Misunderstandings

Happens when people from different cultures expect different communication styles. In some cultures, being very direct is seen as honest, while in others, indirect communication is more polite. 

Another problem is pragmatic failure, which happens when people don’t follow cultural rules of politeness. For example, in English, people often say “please” and “thank you” but in some cultures its uncommon. If an English speaker expects a “thank you” and doesn’t get one, they might think the other person is rude, even though that’s not the case in the other culture. Learning these cultural differences helps people communicate better and avoid these misunderstandings. 

Languages change as culture changes. Over time, new words are created, and old words disappear. Globalization, technology, and migration influence how people speak. Today, manu people mix languages in daily conversations, a practice called code-switching. For example, bilingual speakers may switch between English and Spanish withing a single sentence. This happens often in multicultural societies where people grow up speaking more than one language. When people learn a new language, they are also learning about the culture connected to that language. Traditional language learning focused mostly on grammar and vocabulary, but today, experts believe that understanding cultural context is just as important. Without cultural knowledge, learners might have a different view of the language (i.e. sounding either too formal or too unnatural). 

Authentic materials, such as books, movies, and conversations with native speakers, help language learners understand how language is used in real life. By learning about the culture, learners can avoid misunderstandings and communicate more effectively.

“By developing cultural awareness, they become more adaptable and sensitive to the social norms of the target language. This not only enhances linguistic proficiency but also fosters meaningful cross-cultural interactions.”

Chapter 5:

This chapter discusses the relationship between print language and literate culture —> shows how written language has shapened human communication, social organization, and cultural development. Kramsch looks at how the ability to read and write has changed the way people use language, think, and interact with the world. 

How Print Language is Different from Spoken Language

Written language differs from spoken language in several important ways. While spoken language is immediate and interactive, written language is more structured and permanent. When we speak, we can use gestures, tone of voice, and facial expressions to help convey meaning. In contrast, written language relies entirely on words, punctuation, and formatting to create meaning.

Because written texts must stand alone without the help of nonverbal cues, they are often more carefully planned and organized than spoken communication. Writers must consider their audience and ensure their message is clear, since they cannot clarify things in real time as they could in a conversation. This makes print language more formal and structured compared to everyday speech.

The Rise of Literacy and Its Impact on Culture

The development of literate culture—a society where reading and writing are common skills—has had a major impact on how people communicate and store knowledge. Before writing was widespread, oral traditions were the main way that stories, history, and knowledge were passed down through generations. People relied on memory and repetition to keep information alive. However, the invention of writing changed this by allowing knowledge to be recorded and preserved.

With the spread of literacy, people no longer had to rely only on memory. Books, letters, newspapers, and other forms of print media became essential tools for sharing information across time and space. This shift helped societies become more organized, as written records allowed for laws, contracts, and historical accounts to be maintained accurately.

Another major effect of literate culture is that it encourages abstract thinking. Because written texts are permanent, readers can analyze and reflect on them in ways that are not possible with spoken language. This ability to read and re-read information leads to deeper critical thinking and helps individuals develop complex arguments and ideas.

The Role of Print Language in Education

Literacy has become one of the most important skills in modern education. Schools focus heavily on teaching students how to read and write because these skills are necessary for success in many areas of life. In societies with strong literate cultures, people who lack literacy skills often face disadvantages, as much of modern life—contracts, official documents, academic learning—depends on being able to read and write effectively.

Print language also plays a key role in shaping academic culture. The way knowledge is structured in written form affects how subjects are taught in schools and universities. Academic writing follows specific rules and conventions that make it different from everyday communication. Students learn to present arguments logically, use evidence, and write in a clear and structured way. These conventions are essential for producing knowledge in fields like science, history, and philosophy.

The Influence of Print Language on Identity and Society

The ability to read and write is not just a practical skill—it also affects how people see themselves and their place in society. Literacy can provide access to power and opportunities. Historically, those who controlled written language, such as scribes, religious leaders, and scholars, held positions of authority. Today, people with strong literacy skills are often more able to participate in education, politics, and professional life.

At the same time, print language can create divisions between people. In many societies, the way a person writes can be a marker of their social class, education level, or background. Different styles of writing—formal or informal, academic or personal—carry different social meanings. Some dialects or ways of writing may be seen as more "prestigious" than others, influencing how individuals are perceived by society.

How Technology is Changing Literate Culture

With the rise of digital media, print language is evolving. While traditional books, newspapers, and printed documents remain important, people now consume more written content online through emails, social media, blogs, and websites. Digital communication has introduced new ways of using language, including shorter messages, emojis, and informal writing styles.

Some researchers argue that digital communication is weakening traditional literacy skills because people are reading and writing differently than before. Others believe that technology is simply changing the way literacy works, making it more interactive and dynamic. For example, online discussions allow people to respond to written texts instantly, combining aspects of both written and spoken communication.

Despite these changes, print language remains a key part of literate culture. Even as digital communication grows, the ability to read and write well is still crucial for education, work, and social participation.