What is Culture
Culture is the way of life of a man or of a particular group of people who resides in a particular ethnicity. Culture is traditional, dynamic, inherited values passed down from one generation to another. Being dynamic by its variants (various forms), It is always unique and distinguishes in form by societal or geographical locations.
Culture involves art, social behaviors, beliefs and practices, ideas, institutions and customs, food, clothing, language etc, It encompasses all of these attributes to mould man.
Elements of Culture
There are various elements that make up culture itself. Without these elements, culture won’t have its strong effect on man. These vital elements of culture include the following:
1. Symbols: Symbols are signs, signals used to communicate representing something or someone. Symbols are non-verbal means of communication, which involves the use of hands, body gestures, an artifact, signs formed with material objects and so on. Symbols also are used as sign of greetings. This helps to foster relationships with people. Symbols are very important in culture because that is what they are being known for and what signifies them. Every culture has its own symbols, which differs from others. We have the cross symbol, the zodiac signs,
2. Norms: These are rules and regulations guiding a particular society and individuals. Norms are sometimes produced by the leaders to govern the conducts of every individual. If a society lacks good norms then the society has lost its value. Culture and norm works hand in hand in other to guide and govern the ways of life of people. Norms gives no room for indecency in any society. It also serves as a good disciplinary avenue to people. Norms differ in various cultures. For example: In China, to call someone’s attention you use all of your fingers pointing down, calling someone with a bent finger is considered disrespectful. In South Korea, people stay quiet and peaceful on public transportation and noise is considered very unpleasant. If you are invited to a Danish home, be punctual! and so on.
3. Language: Language is a system of human communication, which consists of words, signs, symbols and gestures understood by the individuals of a particular community. Language brings togetherness and improves social life. Languages are different with their different meanings and translation, with language you can easily identify a particular tribe or culture. Communication is very vital amongst humans, for better understanding. Language is the second vital important element of culture, every culture has their specific language of communication. Examples of common languages are: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Hindi, Mandarin, Bengali etc.
4. Rituals: This is a ceremonial traditional rite performed by the people of a distinct community. Rituals are sacred and holy and are presented to the gods which they believe in. Rituals are accompanied with dance, songs, sacred objects, etc. Ritual can also be viewed as a fantasy where human life can be visualized, displayed, viewed, practiced and as a guideline to their daily lives. Rituals help creates, unites, and maintain the sense of living of every individual in their various communities. Rituals also involve burnt sacrifice. There various rituals performed in each culture: THE VILLAGE CLEANSING VOODOO IN BENIN, SAK YANT BLESSING TATOO IN CHIANG MAI THAILAND, PERSIAN WEDDING CEREMONY IN IRAN, CARNIVAL IN SITGES SPAIN, HOLI IN INDIA, THE HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL IN PENANG MALAYSIA.
5. Values: Cultural values are well defined yardstick use to identify what is good or desirable. Values are one of the most important elements of culture in which it stands as pillar in culture. Values are high ranked because they are principles, guidelines to maintain culture. Value and culture are bound together, culture literally consists of values, ideas, human behaviors, symbols and norms formed by people of same interest, in other to teach and pass on these behaviors from generations to generations. Differ culture with their different values on their citizens. We have the five cultural values: Spiritual Value, Educational Values, Symbolic Values, Aesthetic Values.
This is a brief write up on culture and its element. In our next chapter we will discuss more on types of culture and its effect on man.
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