Definition of concepts

1.- Language and culture. It is important to understand the concept of language and culture. Language is the human use of spoken or written words as a communication system. Culture is the beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior of a particular nation or people. “Language is Culture and Culture is Language” implies that there is a complex homologous relationship between language and culture. Franz Boas argued that one could not really understand another culture without having direct access to its language because of the intimate connection between culture and language. According to A.L. Kroeber (1923), “Culture, then, began when speech was present; and from then on, the enrichment of either means the further development of the other.”Language is a tool for doing things in the world, for reproducing as much as changing reality. If culture is a product of human interaction, then cultural manifestations are acts of communication that assume and build particular speech communities. As children learn a language, they also learn their culture and develop their cognitive abilities.It is not just culture that communicates through language, but also language that communicates through cultures. Therefore, to speak is to assume a culture, and to know a culture is like knowing a language. Culture is as much a product of language as language is a product of culture.

2.- Lenguas en contacto If speakers of a language want to identify with each other, they may find themselves adjusting their speech to eliminate the more obvious differences in pronunciation or vocabulary. If the speakers don't want to identify with each other, they may emphasize the differences in their speech, particularly if someone from the "outside" is present. Generally, the reasons why people want to associate with each other or not don't have much to do with the language they speak. It has more to do with the status or prestige of one or the other of the groups of people.
Speech differences come to represent social, political and geographic divisions between groups of people. These differences may also reflect differences in economic and political power. While we may react to someone's speech with a positive or negative attitude, we are really reacting to the whole complex of social, economic, and political connotations which we have associated with that speech variety.Wherever languages come in contact with each other there exists a greater need for at least some individuals to become bilingual.

3.-Folklore The correct definition of folklore is the collection of beliefs, customs, and traditions that people pass on from generation to generation. Folklore includes fairy tales, legends, myths, dances, games, riddles, and superstitions. The origin of folklore began in ancient times; it was shared with all members of the society. This link may be geography, religion, or ethnic background.

4.- Traditions Traditions are commonly known as ritualistic practices that are passed on generation after generation; they're passed through society, family and individual influences. Some traditions are based on religious beliefs. Other traditions may provide an understanding of a particular culture. Whichever way a tradition is learned, it will always define the principles of customs for the people who practice them.

5.- Customs Something that people always do or always do in a particular way by tradition

6.- Values Values are ideals that guide or qualify your personal conduct, interaction with others, and involvement in your career. Like morals, theyhelp you to distinguish what is right from what is wrong and inform you on how you can conduct your life in a meaningful way.
Values can be classified into four categories:
Personal values are principles that define you as an individual. Personal values, such as honesty, reliability, and trust, determine how you will face the world and relate with people.

Cultural Values like the practice of your faith and customs, are principles that sustain connections with your cultural roots. They help you feel connected to a larger community of people with similar backgrounds.

Social Values Are principles that indicate how you relate meaningfully to others in social situations, including those involving family, friends, and co-workers.

Work values are principles that guide your behaviour in professional contexts. They define how you work and how you relate to your co-workers, bosses, and clients. They also reveal your potential for advancement

Comments According to the previous information culture is a unit of beliefs, values, traditions, customs and folklore. All these elements makes that a group of people identifies among them . Moreover language is a principal mean of communication in a society and it is important to know about other cultures so that we can interact with other people.