Thought this may help *Definition: *Culture refers to the perspectives, practices and products of a social group. For example: *Whether a group focuses on the past, present, or future* Many Native American cultures place a significant value on lessons learned from the past, their history, and their ancestors
*The group's particular ideas about authority, hierarchy, communication style, conflict, etc.* Indian society can be described at hierarchical - you may be born into a particular class and find it difficult to move into another *Whether the group believes that the environment is here to serve us, or we're here to serve it* Western cultures can be accused of using and abusing the earth for immediate gains; the ongoing destruction of the rainforest and incessant mining of mineral-rich continents occur with little regard for whether and how the earth will be able to replenish itself. *What a particular group tends to believe is most important in life* Americans value independence and free thinking. The Japanese value group harmony over the individual's wants and needs. Culture, while not always tied to race or ethnicity, defines how we interpret and interact with others. For example: An infant who is adopted from China, yet raised in the US by an American family might, by others unfamiliar with her background, mistakenly be expected to demonstrate or understand the cultural characteristics of Chinese individuals. Culturally, this individual may simply be American. *Examples: *The best way to understand culture is to explore your own! How did growing up when you did shape your view of the world? (Think of the differences between your generation and your parents') How does your gender shape your aspirations in life? Who do you admire and why? What characteristics do they have? What holidays and major events do you celebrate? Why? How would it feel if you were told you would no longer be allowed to celebrate those? On Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 1:16 AM, Soniya111 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > What do we mean by culture? > > > > -- Keep Smiling Ria Sieunarine --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ESL Podcast". To post to this group, send email to: [email protected] or just reply this message For invite your friends, visit: http://groups.google.com/group/eslpodcast/members_invite Know how help us, visit this FAQ at: http://groups.google.com/group/eslpodcast/web/frequently-asked-questions -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
