a word about culture: applied linguistics series

In Applied Linguistics by Guy Cook, he talks about context and culture, specifically cross-cultural communication. He defines cross-cultural communication as "communication between members of different national or ethnic communities" (P. 52). The issue of cross-cultural communication is central to the applied linguistics discipline because it depends on the ability of the participants to interpret and understand another person's cultural background that is associated with their language.

Culture and language and intertwined. In my time in Cairo, I was able to witness the marriage between Arabic and Egyptian culture (and overall Arab culture as well). For example, the word          إن شاء الله‎  means "God willing". It is very commonly heard in everyday conversation. When our landlord would call to make an appointment to pick up our rent payment, we would set a time and he would say "Insha'allah". It is used in other contexts as well. Now, in English, this is something that we would not regularly do. And not even culturally. We are more apt to say "-ish" if we are going to be late. 

(my lovely flat in Ma'adi, Cairo)

Applied linguists strive to "raise awareness of the degree to which the meaning of behaviour is culturally relative, thus combating prejudice, and contributing to the improvement of community relations and conflict resolution in general" (P. 53). It is so important not to judge another person's culture against our own. There is no such thing as a right or wrong culture, just merely different. Do we necessarily agree with all of those differences? Probably not, but it is important to be aware of difference and know how to act in order to be respectful.

Another Middle Eastern example. Saudi Arabia's legal system is based on shar'ia, which is Islamic law. As such, the women are very modest in dress, including covering their hair. When American leaders have visited with their wives, it was not uncommon to see them with uncovered hair. The most recent example is Michelle Obama's visit. She did not wear a hair covering, which is consistent with past First Ladies and female political leaders such as Hilary Clinton. However, she was extremely modest and respectful of the Saudi culture, wearing loose clothing that covered her completely. Though some viewed this as a scandal (which was bogus), it was a prime example of cultural awareness and respect.

Look at history. So many battles have been fought over cultural misunderstandings, usually born out of fear. Culture is ever-growing and ever-changing, allowing us the opportunity to share in learning with others from around the globe. And that sharing can even include friends and neighbours in our own areas. "Cultural identity is often multivalent" (P. 54). There is no such thing as a singular label or identity anymore within culture. In America, you have broad groupings, such as East Coast, Southerner, etc. But those groups can be even smaller, even within a single town. It is important for us to view ourselves as better, more civilized, or more sophisticated just because we identify with a certain culture. All cultures are unique, beautiful, and have something to offer the world. 

Don't oversimplify the word culture, though it can often be overused and misappropriated. Culture represents a myriad of languages, attitudes, religions, ideals, morals, political ideologies, etc. Crossing cultural lines gives us an opportunity to learn and to teach. If there is one thing we all have in common, it is the fact that we are all members of the human race. That is the largest culture of all.

review: applied linguistics by guy cook

Researching applied linguistics, which is an interdisciplinary field of linguistics that identifies, investigates, and offers solutions to language-related real-life problems, has given me a new perspective on language and its power to change lives.  It covers issues in sociology, education, psychology, computer science, anthropology, and communication. Guy Cook's Applied Linguistics is part of Oxford's series on language study. It is a short introduction to the field of applied linguistics and offers a comprehensive yet brief overview of the various aspects of the field. 

The book is broken down into four parts: Survey, Readings, References, and Glossary. This review will deal primarily with the Survey, which Cook describes as "simple...But it is not simplistic" (P. viii). Cook states that though he provides an uncluttered overview of applied linguistics--meaning that he does not complicate it scholarly references or specialist expertise--he does not imply that there is any lack of ability to evaluate ideas and form conclusions. "Ignorance means the lack of knowledge, not a lack of intelligence" (P. viii). Thus, Cook's Survey provides us with an understandable introduction to applied linguistics and in no way requires specialized knowledge to understand. 

The Readings and References give the reader an opportunity to delve into further study if they so desire, whilst the Glossary provides thorough definitions of bold terms that are seen throughout the Survey. These terms have special or technical use in the field. It also serves as a cross-reference to the Survey. 

The Survey is broken down into 8 chapters, each dealing with a certain facet of applied linguistics. The first chapter details the need for applied linguistics and provides a overview of how this discipline is differentiated from linguistics. As "language is at the heart of human life" (P. 3), it is not enough to look at the construction of a language. It is necessary to see how language is used in daily life, in worldwide issues, education, sociology. Language has a very real aspect in almost everything that we do and applied linguistics is the field that research and seeks answers to these real-world issues. 

Cook continually builds on the previous chapters as his book moves forward, referencing points that he previously makes. He deals with the issue of correctness, language in the modern world, the growth of English as the lingua franca of the world, ELT (English Language Teaching), communication, culture, persuasion, and how applied linguistics can change in the future. Through each chapter Cook gives definitions and simple explanations of issues in the field. For example, applied linguistics was once looked at as only ELT (TEFL, TESOL). Cook addresses this historical issue and briefly describes how the field has blossomed to include more language issues, such as communication and cultural context. 

Each chapter is succinct. Though Cook does quote some scholars to give an illustration of how applied linguistics has come into being, he remains firmly on the non-academic jargon, allowing for the common reader to comprehend the text. The book at certain points does require some knowledge of language and culture, though it is not completely necessary. I have never personally studied linguistics, but I have studied other languages and lived in other cultures. This experience gave me insight into certain points that he made, especially in the chapter on cultural context. 

In essence, this book was a good choice to read to see if applied linguistics is a field that warrants further study and research on my part. Though technical at times, this brief introduction gave me several ideas of how I want to further my career and an understanding of what I could expect in going into an applied linguistics master's program. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the applied linguistics discipline and the various career paths that can be taken within it.

RATING: 5/5  

a word about abbreviations

Abbreviations have become a standard part of the English language. Since the advent of the computer and the mobile phone, the world has become obsessed with how to get your point across in the fastest, most efficient way possible. ROFL, LOL, CU. All of these abbreviations and more are accepted as legitimate forms of communication.

Now, I don't really have anything against abbreviations. It is convenient to be able to say a lot with little time, but at what cost? There are a few abbreviations that I absolutely despise. Among my top most-hated are: LOLS, defo, presh, and prezzie. They just irk me. I understand that it can be fun to say at times, but to be honest, it is making us stupider.

Stay with me on this one. English is an extremely interesting language. It can be played with and manipulated to create beautiful streams of poetry, commanding prose, even emotional stream of consciousness. This language, though grammatically frustrating, provides a platform from which lives can be changed. Some of the most powerful people in the world have gained and beget more power from their command of language. One of my most favorite examples of magnificent language is Martin Luther King, Jr. He stood up among his peers and with all of the passion he could muster, uttered words that have been immortalized in our world. Words that allowed people to move past the pettiness of racial strife and realize that we are all members of the human race. Mr. King was in control of English.

But what words are immortalized now? In media it is celebrity catch phrases such as "that's cool". Books that have gained massive popularity are not even written well or creative. Everything is a copy of a knock-off of a copied original. It is hard to be unique the longer the world continues because we will always hear that phrase, "that's been done already".

Abbreviations are our generations way of being unique, but is it a good choice? In many ways it is insulting to the English language. As we dumb down our speaking, how can we expect to cross cultural lines when other languages, such as Arabic and Chinese, maintain the integrity of their language and we degrade ours? I'm not saying that we need to speak like it is 1801, but we cannot sacrifice the beauty of our language because it is easier, faster, or more convenient. We have the amazing opportunity to learn new words, put them to use, and improve ourselves. It will lift us a little higher, make us a bit better.

In essence, abbreviate when necessary. Learn to better express yourself. 

attention: changes in EPIK requirements

ATTENTION!

EPIK has changed its requirements for application and acceptance, effective for the August 2015 start date. Here is the list:

1. TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificates are now mandatory for all applicants unless you hold a BA or Master’s in Education OR if you have a teaching license. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Please see the attached revised pay scale chart for reference.

2. If you have a BA in anything besides Education + one year of teaching experience, you are also now ineligible to apply unless you receive a TEFL certification.

3. Korea now requires proof of your in-class hours. You will need to obtain a letter from you TEFL provider stating exactly how many in-class hours your course had.

4.  All TEFL Courses need to be completed by July 15^th, but those with completed TEFL courses are given more priority, so get started on yours NOW.

One of the reasons for these changes is budget cut-backs. EPIK wants to try to hire native Koreans to teach English rather than pay the extra expense to bring in foreign teachers. It's understandable, though many companies and business worldwide want students who learned English from native speakers. That aside, the rules to get in are becoming more stringent and, I expect, only going to continue to be more difficult.

This is a highly competitive program, so if you are looking to apply START NOW. This is done on a first come, first serve basis. It doesn't matter if you get you things in two days before the deadline because it is possible that all of the positions will be filled.

I wrote in an earlier post that I wasn't going to apply to EPIK because it just didn't feel right and that my path needs to go in a different direction. Interesting, isn't it, that I wouldn't have fit the new requirements? Even though I have a TEFL certificate, none of it was in-class and therefore, not taken seriously. When I was first looking into EPIK, I asked if I could put down my i-to-i TEFL certificate and the fact that I would be doing CELTA (160 in-class hours) in July. I was told that it was okay. 

Now, as you see, all certificates have to be done by July 15th. 

Therefore, I am glad that I pursuing other things right now and can put EPIK on the back burner for a few years. I'll probably get a master's degree first, anyway.