THE SOCIAL LIFE OF LANGUAGE: CULTURAL CONTEXTS AND COMMUNICATIVE PRACTICES

Abstract

Language is not merely a tool for communication—it is a dynamic social practice deeply embedded in cultural contexts. This paper explores the social life of language by examining how linguistic forms and communicative practices reflect, reinforce, and reshape cultural norms, values, and identities. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from sociolinguistics, anthropology, and cultural studies, the study analyzes how language functions within various social settings, including everyday interactions, institutional discourse, and digital communication. Case studies from diverse linguistic communities highlight the role of language in constructing group identities, negotiating power relations, and preserving cultural heritage. The paper argues that understanding language as a lived, social phenomenon is essential for comprehending the complexities of human interaction in a multicultural and increasingly globalized world. Implications for language policy, education, and intercultural communication are also discussed