Ethno linguistics has found that according to Haviland, social variables, such as class, gender and status of the speaker will influence people’s
use of language. For three or four days observe the use of language in several public place such as a mall or restaurant and more private
places such as a home or workplace. Take notes on what you hear and observe. Prepare a two paragraph report on what you observed. Note
body language, and gestures, as well as word usage.
Interview someone who speaks more than one language. Ask them if there are words and/or expression in one language that cannot be
fully understood and translated for someone who does not that language. Write a paragraph summarizing the results of your interview and
the potential value(s) of understanding language differences.
Celina De La Torre
Anthropology 1010-Fritz
Chapter 5 Activity
February 16, 2010
Self Expression
People, places, situations, and circumstances make a persons speech differ greatly. I notice the
change most drastically from home to a more proper setting. My sisters and I are always talking –
shocking, I know. At home we joke, yell, laugh, slap, use sarcasm, and are much more truthful when it
comes to “how do I look?”. When we are in an outside venue, our etiquette kicks in and we are the most
delightful, sweet, considerate, well behaved individuals that have ever set place in a restaurant, church
meeting, or work conference. Our words change from slang to sophistication; our manner from casual to
respectful and refined. When we speak to our mother we use a more formal and respectful term, as
opposed to the laid-back manner of speaking we use toward one another. When we visit family friends
we are easy going and relaxed, not caring how we are dressed or which way we should speak to each
other; when at church we greet with reverence and “inside voices”.
My sister, Leticia, is the one I observed the most. She loves talking with her hands and dipping
into any conversation she overhears. When around individuals that are of her age or in an informal
setting, she usually extends her arm to touch that person as she speaks or jokes around with them, talks
louder than normal, and stands within 4 feet of that person. When my sister speaks to a person whom is
older or in a more proper circumstance, she stands at least 4 feet away from the person being
addressed and uses a more appropriate tone and volume of voice. She stands with her hands clasped
together in the front of her body and spine completely erect. She uses vocabulary that is eloquent. If
speaking in Spanish, she addresses the individual as “usted or vos” which are terms that show respect.
Since I observed my sister Leticia the majority of the time, I decided to interview my other sister,
Citlali De La Torre. She is a 25 year old female, whom speaks English and Spanish. She is not only
bilingual, but bicultural as well. She is recently married, and even more recently pregnant. During the
interview, I asked her if there were certain phrases that she could say in Spanish, but not interpret into
English. She stated that two phrases came to mind, “Estoy satisfecha” and “Buen provecho”. Translated
it means, “I am satisfied” and ” May the food you eat be of good health to you”. Both of these terms are
linked with that of eating. The first, “Estoy satisfecha”, is said when you are done eating and would like
to let others know that you are “Full”. The two words that are used in Spanish not only describe being
“Full”, but also that the meal was pleasant to you, and that you no longer require more. My sister stated,
Ethno linguistics has found that according to Haviland, social variables, such as class, gender and status of the speaker will influence people’s
use of language. For three or four days observe the use of language in several public place such as a mall or restaurant and more private
places such as a home or workplace. Take notes on what you hear and observe. Prepare a two paragraph report on what you observed. Note
body language, and gestures, as well as word usage.
Interview someone who speaks more than one language. Ask them if there are words and/or expression in one language that cannot be
fully understood and translated for someone who does not that language. Write a paragraph summarizing the results of your interview and
the potential value(s) of understanding language differences.
“In the English language we are unable to communicate this delight and pleasure after a meal.” In
regards to the second saying, “Buen provecho”, it is said when you have finished your meal and are
leaving the table, or if you see others partaking of their meal. It is a way to express your leave and desire
them a good eating and that that food may bring them health and set well with them. “As you can see,
they are nice gestures that I cannot bestow easily in English. That’s why there are so many different
languages. Self expression cannot be complete in just one language. ” These last words, that my sister
said, helped me realize that this world needs more than one language. Language is a key role to self
expression and individualism. It truly helps make up who we are.