The effect of the American culture on my use of language

The effect of the American culture on my use of language Cultures are different in certain aspects. Language is one of the cultural aspects that differ across cultures. Although I am a Chinese, I am able to speak three languages, Mandarin, Cantonese and English. The notion that I am an international student, having come from a very different culture implies that I have been exposed to different cultures where the use of the English language varies. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The effect of the American culture on my use of language specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This follows from the fact that I have resided in the United States for more than one year after completing my high school studies in the United Kingdom. It is important to note that earlier on, I schooled in China where I began perfecting my knowledge in English. Based on this illustration, it is clear that I have encountered different cultural backgrounds that influence my use of language. The fact that t he UK and the US use different languages from the one I was used to presented a big challenge since I had to learn the language again. Although, both the UK and the US use the English language, it is evident that there are slight differences that become clear in the usage. When an individual joins a different place where the language used is not the same, it is sensible to learn the language used in the new location. It is thus necessary to learn the American English language in order to fit into the American culture. Learning the American English has taken control of the way I relate to my colleagues. This has become clear since, even amongst Chinese colleagues, the use of the American English is dominant. Further, the American culture has influenced the way we conduct ourselves. As an illustration, the Chinese people do not take direct commands, instead, they humbly submit. However, the American culture has forced those Chinese living in America to face off with people issuing co mmands. It is also worth to note that after coming to the US, one changes speech rules. By way of example, even though it may not be necessary to say a response, I find myself responding, an aspect that is ingrained in the US culture. As I indicated earlier, English differs across regions. As an example, the language version that is used in the UK is not the same as the one used in the US. As an English learner, I still experience problems despite the fact that I have learned the language for some time. I believe that some of the problems that I face are down to knowledge issues although others revolve around cultural aspects. The major problem lies on the idea that I began learning English in China. During the English lessons, the teachers did not take time to highlight any aspects of the American culture. As a result, I was not in a position to figure out how English is used within the American culture. Advertising Looking for essay on languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As an illustration, when one poses, â€Å"how are you?† a Chinese is tempted to think about himself whereas, the expression is used as a greeting. Additionally, in the Chinese culture, there are limited responses to greeting expressions. It is thus little surprising that after coming to the US I have learned more response expressions. It is evident that culture is influential in many respects. As the paper establishes, since coming to California, I have been heavily influenced by the American culture. Specifically, I have changed my use of language. I have also been able to enlarge my knowledge of English since the version of the language used in the US is slightly different from the ones used in China and the UK.