Some people think that a person can never understand the culture of a country unless they speak the language. Do you agree with opinion?

There is an opinion that people cannot be fully aware of the

culture

and traditions of a nation except in the case they are able to speak the

language

. I somehow agree with

this

point of view;

however

, I think that it is not the main factor.

First

,

language

is a communication tool and it is extremely difficult to interact with a foreign

culture

having

language

barrier. Needless to say that the way as people speak was formed under the influence of a certain

culture

.

For instance

, northern ethnic groups have different cultural background, which is clearly reflected in their

language

. These folks have around fifty names for snow

in contrast

with south languages that have only one word.

Thus

, an individual has to know the

language

as well as locals for deep understanding of the nuances of somebody’s

culture

.

Nevertheless

, knowledge of a

culture

implies not only ability to speak a foreign

language

, but

also

awareness of specific rituals

such

as the tea ceremony before an important negotiation in Japan.

That is

why, if a person was curious, he might have discovered a targeted

culture

through literature and history about the country, which was written or translated in his native

language

.

For example

, I was fond of India and I had interacted with a country’s

cultureculture

Suggestion

culture culture

through studying a traditional Indian dance and myths about it.

In addition

, I have been living in India nine months and I have learned a lot taking part in celebrations, visiting local houses and travelling around the country. In conclusion, I partly agree that it is necessary to speak a foreign

language

if somebody wants to know the local

culture

.

However

, it does not play a main role in gaining of enlightenment about it. From my point of view, the desire to gain it is the key.