Relationship between Language and Culture: A Study of Communication Styles and Social Identities of Post-Graduates in a University

Abstract

This study aimed at showing the inseparability of language and culture, discussing the relationship between communication styles and social identities. It focused on how conversational styles emerge, what they reflect and what impact they have. This is done on the basis of social constructivist ideas. The way, people speak, is determined in the social and cultural context, they live in. Language and language use are related to the culture, in different social classes. The data were collected through observation. The criteria, used, was Labov’s qualitative approach that he proposed in “observer’s paradox”. To make the study more objective, a survey, through written questionnaires, was also conducted via direct elicitation. 60 samples, who were the students of post graduate program (M.ed and M.A. Education), were selected for the study, from Allama Iqbal Open University (Kot Radha Kishan Campus). Among selected 60 students, 10 were reserved for written questionnaires and 50 students for observation. The targeted students were chosen, representing two different social classes: the upper class, and the lower middle class whose communication styles were studied. The study ended with findings about cultural differences in communication styles and implications of strategies to harmonize relationships among diverse social groups. It also recommended suggestions for the curriculum of the subject of social studies.