LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION: INDIA

Abstract

We use language to express our emotions and attitudes, to give our ideas and opinions, to complain, to gain acceptance or approval, and to receive and transmit information. Essentially, language is a means of cultural communication. There are different ways we can communicate. In this world, just about everyone--his/her intelligence, competence, social status, group membership, and the value system are often judged from the language through which one communicates. The tone, the speed of the speech, and the accent can evoke reactions not only in monolingual but more so in bilingual and multilingual societies, causing tensions and conflicts related to social identity and belonging. Language influences our thinking, feelings, and behaving. This paper discusses diverse sociolinguistic variants, such as, gender, race, ethnicity, class, caste, and religion with reference to Marathi, Hindi and India’s diverse cultures. The paper also discusses extra-linguistic factors, including biological and evolutionary selves, individualism, collectivism and attitudes. Finally, the paper suggests some skills and strategies for successful cross-cultural communication, which are expected to help reduce cultural conflicts and ethnic tensions and promote peace.

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