Culture, language and environment: the case of English
- Readings and Assignments: Walsh 1979 p. 9-15; Bennett in Fantani 16-21
- Concepts: environmental sociolinguistics; Individual cultures vs. world culture
- Discussion questions: How does the environment affect language use? How does language use affect the environment? What facets of the environment can have the most effect on language?
For Walsh:
p. 11 Which do you agree with, John Adams or Karl Jaspers and Tagore? Why?
p. 12 Summarize the two possible ways of forming a world culture? Are either or both actually possible in your opinion?
13. Can you think of other international agreements that reflect common denominators like the UNUDHR?
For Bennett: What do you think of the term "fluent fool"? When have you been a "fluent fool"?
I'm not sure that this term can still apply as well in our multicultural world...