Culture: The Bridge between Congnition and Communication

Abstract

In the search for ways to help our students bridge the gap between learning a language and using the language effectively; there is evidence that another tool exists that might be exploited for this purpose. Research has demonstrated the intimate connection between language and cognition; on the one hand; and language and cultural expression on the other. Metaphors are both language and the reflection of cognitive properties expressed in language. Most students in foreign language classrooms ask for insight into the culture of the target language and most teachers recognize the difficulty facing them when they attemp to do so. The delicate problem the language teacher faces is; of course; how to teach forcing language and culture without denigating the native language. However; using the comparison-contrast technique; which incorporates elements of both the target language and the primary language; the focus is on difference; not on better or worse. Our research has shown that whereas most languages are rich in metaphors; exercises that focus student attention on this element; can be an interesting and effective teaching aid in the classroom for teaching both language and culture.