ANTH 120 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

Thursday, October 9, 2003

Video:Language and Communication

Notes from Video: Language and Culture

1. the relationship between language and culture2. the importance of language in anthropological study3. how language develops and evolves; how it is learned;

and how it is transmitted within and between cultures. 4. linguistics, phonetics, morphemes, and syntax5. Black English6. the importance of language in cultural identity7. significance of other forms of communication, including

non-verbal communication and symbolism8. language is interpreted through a social context and

the values of the host society

Symbols and Reality

1. Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis2. The ultimate power is the power to

define reality

Ebonics (aka Black English)

1. Ebonics (from ebony and phonics)2. NNE (Nonstandard Negro English) and

BEV (Black English Venacular)3. Larry and the Jets (from Labov, W. (1970).

“The Logic of Nonstandard English.” In Language and Poverty: Perspectives on a Theme. F. Williams. Chicago, Markham Publishing Company.)

That’s all for today!