LANGUAGE, THE INDIVIDUAL, SOCIETY AND CULTURE CONSTITUTE A UNIQUE APPROACH, CONGENIAL FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS

Abstract

A formidable unique effect is expected when language, individual, society and culture are studied together. The result shows that languages reflect rather than create social-cultural regularities in values and orientations than has previously been identified. Language has profound influence on an individual’s self-image. Interpersonal events help to set the stage. The characteristics of languages are regarded more as indicators of social relationship. Anthropology attributes to language teaching such importance as it does to the grammatical or phonological aspect. Added, fieldwork expects familiarity with the tribal language. For example, an expression in a primitive language may be totally unintelligible unless considered in its cultural context and related to circumstances in which it occurs. This makes language a guide to social reality and a symbolic guide to culture. Culture indeed satisfies both the basic and integrative needs of the individual and society. Consequently, language, the individual, society and culture constitute a unique approach, congenial to language teachers.