Understanding Culture:
A Journey into Human
Expression
by Tehmina Mazhar
• Culture is a dynamic force that shapes our lives in profound
ways.
• It is learned through social interactions, symbols, and
practices, while seizing the essence of nature.
• Culture is both general, with shared beliefs and values, and
specific, with unique customs.
• In its all-encompassing nature, culture influences every aspect
of life, defining who we are and enabling us to connect with
others.
Culture is Learned
Culture is not innate; it is acquired through socialization.
We absorb the values, norms, and behaviors of our
society, mirroring what we observe and learning from
others. For example, in Japan, children learn early on the
importance of respect and politeness through the
practice of bowing when greeting others.
Culture is Symbolic
Symbols play a vital role in cultural expression. They
convey meaning and represent abstract concepts within
a society. For instance, the American flag symbolizes
freedom, unity, and patriotism. Through such symbolic
representations, culture fosters identity and facilitates
communication among individuals.
Culture Seizes Nature
Culture intertwines with nature, shaping human
relationships with the environment. Indigenous
communities, like the Maasai in Kenya, have deep-rooted
cultural practices that revolve around their connection to
the land. Their nomadic lifestyle and sustainable farming
methods reflect a profound respect for nature.
Culture is General and Specific
Culture encompasses both broad beliefs and values shared by a
group, as well as specific practices and customs. General cultural
beliefs, such as the value of education, transcend borders and are
embraced by many societies. Conversely, specific cultural
customs like the Japanese tea ceremony showcase unique
traditions that hold deep cultural significance.
Culture is All-Encompassing
Culture permeates every facet of our lives, shaping our
social systems, beliefs, language, and arts. It influences
our norms, rituals, and even our cuisine. For instance, in
Italy, where food is considered an art form, the cultural
practice of a leisurely meal shared with loved ones is
cherished as a way to connect and savor life's pleasures.
Exploring Different Cultures: A
Journey Through Time
The Mayans The Vikings The Maoris
Fearless warriors
The Mayans were The indigenous
and seafarers, the
skilled astronomers people of New
Vikings left a lasting
and architects. They Zealand, the Maoris,
impact on European
developed a have a rich cultural
history. They
complex calendar heritage, including
shaped trade routes,
system and built traditional tattoos,
explored new lands,
magnificent intricate carvings,
and left behind rich
pyramids, temples, and captivating
Loaing...
mythologies.
and cities. dances such as the
Hakas.
Key Elements of Culture
The cornerstone of culture, language
Language enables communication and preserves
historical narratives.
Religion Religious beliefs shape values,
ethics, and customs, offering
guidance and a sense of meaning.
Artistic expressions like painting,
Arts
music, and dance reflect cultural
values and creativity.
Traditions Cultural traditions provide a sense of
belonging, reinforcing social
cohesion and identity.
Quotation on Culture
"Culture makes people understand each other better.
And if they understand each other better in their soul, it
is easier to overcome the economic and political
barriers. But first they have to understand that their
neighbor is, in the end, just like them, with the same
problems, the same questions." - Paulo Coelho
