2.1 Examining Language as a Cultural Identity Marker

• Language is a system of communication using words and grammar
• Language is the primary means by which a culture's beliefs, values, and traditions are expressed and transmitted.

  True
• Which Chinese term refers to an older brother?

  哥哥 (gēge)
• Language is a vital tool for maintaining cultural traditions by passing down beliefs, values, and customs across generations.


  True
• The use of 您 (nín) in Chinese shows respect for elders
• Tones in Mandarin can change the meaning of words.


  True
• 孝 (xiào) in Chinese culture represents the value of filial piety.
• Idiomatic expressions reflect cultural beliefs and traditions.

  True
• Dialects like Cantonese distinguish cultural subgroups within China.


  True
• Language serves as a cultural identity marker, reflecting the unique worldview of a group.


  True
• How does politeness reflect cultural values in Chinese language?

  By addressing elders with 您 (nín)
• Language acts as a mirror, reflecting the values and priorities of a culture through its words and expressions.


  True
• What are key linguistic features that mark cultural identity?

  Vocabulary, grammar, tone, idioms, dialects
• Which Chinese term refers to filial piety, a core Confucian value?

  孝 (xiào)
• Which dialect distinguishes subgroups within China?

  Cantonese
• How does grammar in Chinese convey cultural norms?

  Passive voice maintains decorum
• What does the idiom 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú) reflect about Chinese culture?

  Value of simplicity
• Language is a system of communication using words and grammar.
• Addressing elders with 您 (nín) instead of 你 (nǐ) in Chinese reflects the cultural value of politeness.
• The use of phrases like 我们 (wǒmen) in Chinese emphasizes the cultural value of collectivism.
• What is the Chinese cultural concept represented by the word "孝 (xiào)"?

  Filial piety
• What primary tool is used for maintaining cultural traditions?

  Language
• What are key features of Cantonese that distinguish it from Standard Mandarin?

  Distinct tones and grammar
• What are two opposing impacts of globalization on language and identity?

  Language shift and preservation
• Language preservation efforts maintain the unique identity of a community
• What is the relationship between language and culture?

  They are closely intertwined
• What is culture defined as in this study material?

  The customs, arts, and achievements of a social group
• Words indicating status and authority in Chinese culture include the title 老师 (lǎoshī)
• Match the linguistic feature with its description:

  Vocabulary ↔️ Words that capture cultural concepts

  Grammar ↔️ Structures reflecting cultural hierarchies

  Tones ↔️ Changes in pitch affecting word meaning

  Idiomatic expressions ↔️ Phrases reflecting cultural beliefs

  Dialects ↔️ Variations distinguishing cultural subgroups
• The tones in Mandarin change the meaning of words like ma
• What are key features of language that reflect cultural identity?

  Vocabulary, grammar, tone, idioms, dialects
• What is the purpose of using the passive voice in formal Chinese writing?

  Maintain decorum
• Language is a vital cultural identity marker.


  True
• Variations in pitch in Mandarin, known as tone, change the meaning of words.
• What are the two key roles of culture as defined in this material?

  Beliefs, behaviors, values
• What title is used in Chinese culture to address teachers and show respect?

  老师 (lǎoshī)
• Variations in pitch that change word meaning are called tone
• The use of passive voice in Chinese grammar reflects cultural norms of decorum


  True
• Language encapsulates the beliefs, customs, and values
• Shanghainese is influenced by the Wu Chinese dialect