Key Concepts about Culture

According to Diaz-Rico & Weed (2010), Culture is the explicit and implicit patterns for living, the dynamic system of commonly agreed-upon symbols and meaning, knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs, behaviors, traditions, and/or habits that are shared and make up the total way of life a people, as negotiated by individuals in the process of constructing a personal identity (pp. 236-237). The best source to learn about culture is the local community. Students, parents and community members are great resources to gain insight into the cultural values, attitudes and behaviors of a culture. Basically, culture refers to all aspects of life.

Key concepts about culture:

Culture is universal
Culture simplifies living
Culture is learned in a process of deep conditioning
Culture is demonstrated in values
Culture is expressed both verbally and nonverbally
Societies represent a mix of cultures
Culture is both dynamic and persistent
Culture is a mix of rational and nonrational elements
Cultures represent different values
Diverse societies have a mainstream culture

         Individualism and privacy
         Independence and self-reliance
         Equality
         Ambition and industriousness
         Competitiveness
         Appreciation of the good life
         Perception that humans are separate from and superior to nature

Culture affects people’s attitudes toward schooling

Passed down from parents to children
Family involvement

Culture governs the way people learn

     Gender roles
     Verbal and nonverbal behavior age and gender appropriate
     Language and communication behaviors

References

Diaz-Rico, L.T., & Weed, K.Z. (2010). The crosscultural, language, and academic development handbook: A complete k-12 reference guide. Boston, MA: Pearson

Compiled by Stephen Hicks