• University of Leeds

Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Language and Culture

Explore intercultural communication by understanding the relationship between language and cultural identity.

20,279 enrolled on this course

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Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Language and Culture

20,279 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 5 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Examine the relationship between language, nationality and cultural identity

On this course you will analyse why language is a social construction and examine how it relates to cultural identity.

You will start by exploring what language is, how it relates to the way we think and how it is shaped by the culture it originates from. You’ll learn how language is used and explore cases of intercultural communication. You will examine the difficulties of translation and how politeness is expressed across cultures. Finally, you’ll learn about the controversial issue of language loss and examine the reasons that cause it and its implications for cultural identity.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds This course is about the relationship between language and culture. We’re going to think about how the language we use affects the way we communicate. So, for example, does the particular language that we speak in a particular communication change the way in which we represent the world around us? Equally, from the other side, does the culture we live and engage in shape the language that we use?

Skip to 0 minutes and 38 seconds What we have to think about is that when we are involved in translation, when one person is having to translate from one language to another, then they’re not just actually translating the linguistic elements. They’re having to translate aspects of their culture, too. And one particular example of this is the issue of politeness. So politeness is really very much tied to culture, and even microcultural contexts. So when we are speaking to somebody from another cultural context, then we have to think about the different ways in which behaviour is evaluated, and what’s considered to be polite in that particular context, and with those particular people.

Skip to 1 minute and 22 seconds This course will be useful for those of you who are studying languages, or perhaps you are going abroad either to work or to study, and also for people who are involved in translation– either as a recipient of translated materials, or in translating materials for others to use. I also hope this course will be useful for everybody, because, of course, all of us live in a globalised world, and all of us are engaged in intercultural communication on a day-to-day basis. For some of us, this might be a very large aspect of our lives. For others of us, it might be just small interactions we have with people on the street. But we are all engaged in this.

Skip to 2 minutes and 5 seconds Having learners from around the world will enrich this experience for all of us hugely. You all have intercultural communication stories to tell and share with other people on FutureLearn, and we would like to hear them. Sign up now for Intercultural Studies– Language and Culture.

What topics will you cover?

  • The relationship between language, nation and cultural identity.
  • The way in which language shapes how we think.
  • The extent to which language might limit and shape what we are able to articulate and think.
  • The challenges faced by translators when trying to make concepts understandable for audiences with different cultural reference points and backgrounds.
  • How politeness is distinct to a culture, and the ways in which language is used to reinforce ideas of politeness.
  • How languages can reinforce cultural identity, and the challenges of retaining that identity in the face of language loss and endangerment.

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Investigate how languages shape cultural identity both within and across political borders.
  • Assess the extent to which language both supports and inhibits the sharing of ideas between cultures.
  • Debate the ways in which language can shape and control how we think.
  • Explore the relationship between language, culture and politeness.
  • Reflect on the association between language and cultural identity and the effects of language loss and endangerment on communities.
  • Discuss the notion that translation is as much a cultural process as a linguistic one.

Who is the course for?

The course is for anyone with an interest in the relationship between language and culture, you don’t need any previous experience.

This course is also ideal if you are working with languages, you are preparing to move to a different country for work or study or you work with groups of people from different cultures to yours. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time.

Who will you learn with?

Lecturer in Linguistics at the University of Leeds. My research interests are in linguistic politeness and also critical discourse analysis (language and power).

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 2 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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