Cultural and Linguistic Differences

Cultural and linguistic differences refer to differences among various cultural groups who speak a variety of languages and dialects. Cultural and linguistic differences sometimes are identified and used as two separate terms for different purposes in different settings. Cultural and linguistic differences are often identified in reference to English as the dominant language and to the cultural traditions and practices associated with the English language as the mainstream culture. Hence, the [Page 163]notion of cultural and linguistic differences is often associated with cultural groups who do not speak English as the first language and who have beliefs, social practices, family values, and ways of knowing and doing that are different from mainstream culture. However, a dominant culture and language in one country may be a ...