Chomsky's theory of language and its impact on cultural traditions

Small Scale Ethnographic

Over the decades, the impact of language on culture has been continually debated. The main reason is because there are different views among ethnographic researchers. What has been happening is a host of studies were introduced in the 1970's by Dr. Noam Chomsky. He determined that language does not have any kind of effect on the way people think. This is based on the fact that everyone will put their sentences and ideas together in similar patterns. As a result, Chomsky theorized that language will have minimal effects on thoughts and behavior. This is when he suggested that universal standards could be created that will integrate the various languages down to one. (Bordotsky 2010)

However since the 1990's, scientists have been challenging these views. The main reason is because in spite of Chomsky's ideas, language was still having an impact on behavior. A good example of this can be seen by comparing English with Russian. In English, the tense of verbs is used to symbolize individual possession and different forms of action. However, in Russian, the tense and gender of verbs are denoted in a similar pattern. While at the same time the person must decide if a particular setting is completed or not (to determine the formality of usage). This is important in showing how the use of language will have an impact on individual beliefs. (Bordotsky 2010)

Once more people begin to utilize these techniques, is when this will have an effect on culture. As a result, this is showing how there are conflicting theories about the effect of language on traditions. To fully understand what is taking place requires conducting a research study that will examine the way language is influencing culture. This will be accomplished by focusing on: the research question / sub-questions, conducting a brief literature review, looking at how the research will be conducted, the plan for participation, the techniques of data collection and the limitations of the research. Together, these elements will provide the greatest insights as to how language is influencing cultural traditions. (Bordotsky 2010)

The Research Question / Sub-Questions

To effectively focus the research, there will be an emphasis on a primary question and secondary set of sub-questions to include:

Research Question

What is the overall impact of language on cultural traditions and customs?

Sub-Questions

In what ways will language influence local customs?

How has culture evolved with new languages that are introduced?

These questions will concentrate on specific areas that are impacting culture and the role that language is playing in the process. This is when the research will show, the influence of various dialects on specific customs and traditions.

Site of Investigation Access Considerations

The site investigation techniques will involve sources that will confirm or disprove how language is having an impact on culture. The way that this is accomplished is by focusing on select research sites can provide a basic background for what is happening. The sources from: Ross, O'Neill and Bordotsky are taking an intellectual approach when looking at how language is affecting specific customs. This makes the research a discernible source on: the way culture and languages are influencing these viewpoints.

General Plan of Participation, Ethnographic Activity

The basic plan for conducting the research will be to use the mixed approach. This is when we will be looking at different sources and then will conduct an independent study. The basic idea is that the new data from the project will confirm the underlying trends that are occurring. This will help to improve the accuracy of the research by allowing actuaries to compare the findings with one another (through a process known as comparative analysis). Once this happens, is when actuaries can provide precise results about the impact of language on different customs. (Johnson 2004) (Comparative Analysis 2012)

Proposed Techniques of Data Collection and Analysis

The basic technique that will be used is to collect the data through quantitative analysis. This is when researchers will take two samples (the independent and dependent variable). The independent variable will be randomly selecting participants and having them take a survey. The dependent variable will be people who are from various ethnic backgrounds and are fluent in a second language. Once this takes place, is when we will compare the results with other general data through comparative analysis. The combination of these elements will provide enough information to directly answer the research question and sub-questions. This will help to build upon the ideas and concepts from the literature review. (Hopkins 2000)

Limitations of the Research

The limitations of the research are that the population sample could be so small that it is a statistical anomaly. This is when the project will underreport the impact of language on culture. The ethical considerations include: providing full disclosure about the project and the use of the data. Moreover, there will be no personal information collected (such as: name, address or date of birth). Instead, the focus is placed on determining if respondents will fall into one of the two categories (based on the fact that they speak a second language). This will take the various ethnographic considerations into account when conducting any kind of research.