Understanding Culture: Definitions, Components, and Relationship with Language
Culture: A Shared Way of Life
Culture encompasses a set of attitudes, beliefs, behavioral conventions, basic assumptions, and values shared by a group of people. It influences individual behavior and interpretations of others’ actions (Oatey, 2000).
Diverse Perspectives on Culture
Culture can have various meanings. Anthropologically, it refers to the way people live (Chastain, 1988). Trinovitch (1980) defines it as an all-encompassing system of behavior patterns, including verbal and nonverbal expressions, acquired from birth as the native culture.
Socialization and Cultural Integration
Socialization is the process of preparing individuals for the accepted linguistic and non-linguistic patterns of their society. Culture acts as a way of life (Brown, 1994), providing context for existence, thought, emotions, and relationships. It binds groups together.
Culture as a Blueprint for Behavior
Culture serves as a blueprint guiding behavior within communities, originating in family life. It shapes group behavior, influences status awareness, and sets expectations for individuals.
Culture: A Comprehensive System
Culture encompasses all aspects of shared life in a community, including behavior (thoughts, actions, language), knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, customs, law, and other qualities acquired as social beings (Stanbridge, 1991).
Cultural Manifestations
Culture encompasses history, geography, cultural activities, language elements (characters, proverbs, idioms, slang), various products (literature, art, music, architecture, films), values, beliefs, behavior patterns, communication styles, interpersonal relationships, social conduct, religious beliefs, and education.
Culture as Collective Programming
Hofstede (1980) defines culture as the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes groups, passed down through generations with ongoing changes as each generation adds its own elements.
Components of Culture
- Daily Way of Life: How people live, eat, greet, dress, address, sing, and act.
- Creative Expressions: What people make and do.
Four Key Components (Hoults, 1969)
- Values: Guiding principles that influence other cultural components and reflect societal priorities.
- Norms: Patterns of behavior expected in specific situations.
- Institutions: Divisions of society where values and norms are applied.
- Artifacts: Objects reflecting cultural values and norms.
Interdependence of Language and Culture
Language is the primary means of expressing cultural perspectives and engaging in social practices. Culture is expressed through language, creating a close interrelationship.
Inseparability of Language and Culture
Kramsch (1991) emphasizes the inseparable nature of language and culture. They are like twins, two sides of the same coin. Language influences thought, feelings, and beliefs, which are aspects of culture.
Culture as a Way of Life
Culture encompasses various aspects of human life, including codes of conduct, manners, dress, religion, rituals, behavior, belief systems, and language (Jary, 1991).
Language as a Reflection of Culture
Language expresses the patterns and structures of culture, influencing human thinking, manners, and judgment.
Mutual Influence of Language and Culture
Language and culture are integral to human life and mutually influential. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests that language shapes thought and culture, while culture also influences language.
Interconnectedness of Language and Culture
Hymes (1964) and Witherspoon (1980) highlight the strong interrelationship between language and culture, emphasizing the need to study them together for a comprehensive understanding.