- How is culture an essential component of local languages?
- Does a local language manifest itself differently according to the cultural norms?
Let us start by defining both concepts: A local language is a language spoken by a group of people in a certain region; it is shaped by different elements including history, culture, and social norms. In fact, these shared beliefs, values, attitudes, customs, and behaviors define culture in general. From long ago, each group of people communicated with their own distinct local language. Tunisia is a prime example of how a country’s local language can reflect and influence its unique cultural identity. The country’s local languages and dialects offer insight into the history and diversity of its people, and they play an important role in shaping Tunisia’s cultural landscape. One of the most commonly spoken local languages in Tunisia is Tunisian Arabic, Tounsi or Derja i.e. “Everyday Language”, which is a dialect of Arabic that is heavily influenced by Berber and French. This dialect is spoken by the majority of Tunisians and is used in everyday conversations.
On the one hand, culture can have a significant impact on local languages through different aspects: vocabulary, grammar, idioms and expressions, religion, and historical influences. In this case, we will address each aspect of Tunisian Arabic separately and briefly. To start with, vocabulary is the sum of words and phrases used in a language often influenced by the culture of people who speak it. For example, a language spoken in a farming community may have a rich vocabulary related to agriculture such as “ziraa” (olive), “tabil” (spice blend), and “louz” (almond), while a language spoken in a coastal community may have a rich vocabulary related to fishing and maritime activities such as “babur” (from the Turkish vapur/steamboat) or “trilia” (from the Italian triglia/striped red mullet). Grammar can also be influenced by culture. For example, in the Tunisian culture, it is important to show respect for elders or authority figures, which could be reflected in the grammar of the language such as “sidi” (sir/master) and “lella” (madam) in Tunisian Beldi. Another important cultural impact on Tunisian Arabic is idioms and expressions since they are deeply rooted in the Tunisian culture, and can be difficult to translate their exact meaning. For example, the Tunisian expression “يمين البكوش في صِدْرو” has no direct equivalent in other languages, and may be difficult for non-native speakers to understand. This proverb means that talking too much can be useless, instead silence is more preferable. It literally means the mute’s oath is in their chest” and can be translated into other cultures with a different structure and word choice. Furthermore, religion can have a cultural impact on Tunisian Arabic. For example, in Islamic cultures, many words and phrases related to religion and spirituality are deeply embedded in the language such as” ” بارك الله فيك (May God bless you) or “ربي يخلّيك”(thank you). Lastly, but equally important, historical influences can also shape the vocabulary and grammar of a local language. For example, a language spoken in a country that was once colonized by another country may have borrowed words and grammar structures from the colonizer’s language. Indeed, Tunisian Arabic is a mixture of French, Turkish, Italian, Berber, Latin, and Spanish. The following examples are borrowed words in Tunisian Arabic from the previously mentioned foreign languages: (from the French électricité/electricity), ڨاوري (from the Turkish gavur/foreigner), باكو (from the Italian pacco/package), كسكسي (from Berber seksu/couscous), قطّوس (from the Latin cattus/cat), and (from the Spanish plaza/place). Those are but few examples from various borrowed terms in Tunisian Arabic.
On the other hand, a local language itself can affect the cultural norms within a certain society including identity and sense of belonging, communication, expression of culture, influence on art, and preservation of endangered languages. In fact, a local language can foster a sense of identity and belonging among people who speak it, as it reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Tunisia, for example, has several local languages and dialects such as Sfaxian dialect, Sahlian dialect, northwestern dialect, and many more, which reflect the cultural traditions and habits of different regions of Tunisia. Despite the varieties of dialects and different cultural perspectives in the Tunisian society, a local language remains a vital tool for communication as it transmits traditions and values through generations and helps build social bonds. For example, young Tunisians learn from their elders how to welcome guests, greet neighbors, and celebrate religious and national occasions. Moreover, a local language not only facilitates communication between groups, but also paves the way for others to express their cultural beliefs and practices and differentiate themselves form other groups. In Tunisia, for instance, the southwestern people have their own Saharan identity; and take pride in having a large family and owning a rich piece of land. Some of them live like Tuareg and speak a Libyan Berber language. Besides cultural values and habits, a local language can influence art and literature by inspiring artists to share their artistic visons vis-à-vis their culture. Let’s take the example of El Aroui’s tales, a famous Tunisian storyteller who examines Tunisian values in the form of magical and realistic tales. Also, the famous TV show Choufli Hal reveals and criticizes, in a humorous way, various Tunisian values and traditions. Another important task of a local language is that it helps in preserving endangered languages. For instance, the Berber language is deeply rooted in Tunisian Arabic through the daily use of Berber words and phrases as well as Berber traditions and customs that were passed through generations. Until this day, many Tunisians identify themselves solely as Berber, speak, and behave like their ancestors.
In conclusion, by understanding the relationship between language and culture, we can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding for the diversity of the world’s cultures. This mutual relationship shapes everything from vocabulary, grammar, idioms and expressions to religion and historical influences. It also highlights identity and sense of belonging, communication, expression of culture, influence on art, and preservation of endangered languages.
Oumaima Aloui