Manhattanville College
Anthropology 2065: Language and Culture
Professor Berg Office: Dammann 6A
Email:bergc@mville.edu Office Hrs.:
Course Description and Goals
In this course we will study the relationship between language and culture and the culture of conversation. We will look at language as a natural resource and speaking as a cultural practice. Utilizing an anthropological perspective, we will concentrate on socio-linguistics or how language works in everyday life. We will look at people who speak the same language but have problems in communication due to differences in class, age, gender and/or ethnicity. Topics to be covered during the semester include language acquisition, discourse analysis, language and power, linguistic relativity and ASL (American Sign Language) and deaf culture.
General goals for the class are 1.) to gain an understanding of the relationship between culture and language, 2.) to see language as a tool for understanding self and society, and 3.) to appreciate language competence as a strategic resource.
Required Readings
Michael Agar, Language Shock
Shirley Brice Heath, Ways With Words
Deborah Tannen, You Just Don’t Understand
Additional articles will be assigned and either distributed in class or on e-reserve in the library.
Requirements and Grading
There will be three exams during the semester based on the assigned readings and class discussions (25% each).
You will be asked to record and examine a communication exchange using discourse analysis (20%). This will be discussed in greater detail in class.
Attendance is encouraged and will count as 5% of your final grade.
