My Coevolutionary View of Language, Culture, and Folk Religion

Written by Dyami Millarson

The relationship between language, culture, and folk religion is complex and interconnected. Each aspect influences and shapes the other ones, creating a dynamic process of coevolution. In this article, we will explore the ways in which language, culture, and folk religion have developed in tandem, as well as how this coevolution has impacted human societies throughout history. Coevolution, in the context of this article, refers to the interconnected and mutually influencing development of language, culture, and folk religion over time. The coevolutionary view, which developed in my mind as I familiarised myself with more and more Frisian languages, cultures, and folk religions, recognises that changes in one aspect, such as language, can lead to adaptations in culture and folk religion, and vice versa. My coevolutionary view of these elements highlights the complex and dynamic nature of human societies, as they constantly shape and reshape each other in response to various internal and external factors.

Language is the primary means by which humans communicate and transmit information. It is through language that we share our beliefs, values, and practices with one another, allowing culture and folk religion to flourish — in fact, it is my long-held view that human culture and folk religion are not even possible without language. As languages evolve over time, so too do the cultures and folk religions they embody. New words and phrases emerge, reflecting changes in societal norms and beliefs. Conversely, as cultural and religious practices evolve, they may in turn influence the development of language. Culture encompasses shared practices among a group of people and one may extend that to include values (such as taboos, virtues and vices); hence the typical Latin expression to render the notion of culture is mōrēs customs and the Dutch way to render the notion of culture is zeden en gebruiken values and customs. With a bit of creativity, one could technically also render culture in Dutch as het doen en laten van een volk the habits and taboos of a people. Culture is both shaped by and helps to shape language and folk religion. As cultural practices and beliefs change over time, they may influence the development of new linguistic forms or the evolution of folk religious practices. For example, a culture that values storytelling may develop a rich and complex oral tradition, which in turn influences the language used within that culture. Similarly, a society that places great importance on rituals and ceremonies may develop a complex system of folk religious practices that are intimately tied to their language and cultural beliefs.

Folk religions are the spiritual beliefs and practices that are deeply rooted in a people’s history and traditions. They are characterised by a strong connection to nature, ancestors, and the spirit world. Folk religions, like languages and cultures, evolve over time, reflecting the changing beliefs and values of the people who practice them. This evolution can have a significant impact on both the associated language and culture. For example, as new religious practices and beliefs emerge within a society, they may be accompanied by new linguistic forms, such as specialised vocabulary, idioms, or metaphors related to those practices. Additionally, the evolution of folk religious beliefs may influence cultural practices and values, leading to changes in societal norms, customs, and even moral codes. It should be added that since the influence between language, culture and folk religion is mutual, the emergence of new linguistic forms and cultural practices may likewise yield novel folk religious practices and beliefs.