"Function of Language
In the straightforward style of American culture, language has primarily the instrumental function of transmitting information. For the members of the face-salient societies, however, it performs the important role of social lubricant, easing and harmonizing personal relations".
Raymond Cohen (1997). Negotiating Across Cultures;
Washington, DC: U.S. Institute of Peace Press, 112-113.
I found
this quote online while searching for information about communication. Though this
is more about language itself than communication, I found it interesting.
It says
that in the “American culture, language has primarily the instrumental function
of transmitting information”, and this is not only in American culture, but in
most of all others too. By language we transmit information, but we also
improve our personal and non-personal relations.
In
Intercultural Communication we absolutely need language. How else are we
supposed to communicate with all those different cultures? I believe that
knowing a lot of languages is important. Knowing the language of the culture
you are communicating with shows respect to them, in my opinion.
I also
believe that it is so difficult to know a lot of languages and know them right,
and according to this I say that a universal language, like English, is the one
everyone should know and it is indispensable.
Still, even
with knowledge of the English language, knowing a different number of languages is important and respectful when
communicating interculturaly.
I agree with You, knowing languages is very important. Unfortunately, there are countries that don´t bother. E.g. I have met few english speaking people and after I asked them if they do know other languages - their answer is "no". When I say them that I have learned 4 other languages during my lifetime, they are suprised and don´t understand why. While I only can answer "Why not?"
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