It was suggested...that cognition is the intermediate variable between
language and other aspects of culture. Thus we would expect specializations in cognitive style-correlated with spatial language to surface in other cultural manifestations (Levinson 376).
One's use of language is the result of the prominent frame of references our language makes prominent. I think that it is safe to say that when learning a new language, adapting to a different frame of reference can be a bit difficult. Maybe this is where native speakers have a cultural advantage? I hope this makes sense!
This is exciting--and especially starting to think about the role of language in producing social spaces, plus everything from competency, belonging, appropriateness, to how that social space is actually structured and inhabited. I think, at a very basic level, you will need to take some very careful and detailed notes about the classes themselves, how they are structured, run, what the activities are, where people sit, how and when they speak, what kinds of groups, affiliations, dislikes emerge, etc.
ReplyDeleteI just saw your comment . It definitely means I have to pay more close attention when taking notes, especially when writing right after getting out of class. I hadn't really thought about how in depth observations could be!
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