Culture can be defined as the shared patterns of behavior and interactions that develop over time within groups and are passed down through socialization. The document then provides brief overviews of the main characteristics of several major cultures, including Western culture which developed from Greco-Roman traditions and Christianity, Eastern culture which was influenced by religions and rice cultivation, Latin culture which spread through Spanish and Portuguese languages, Middle Eastern culture which is linked by Arabic language and the major religions that originated there, and African culture which is extremely diverse with many ethnic groups and was influenced by migration patterns across the continent.
2. Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of
people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social
habits, music and arts.
The word "culture" derives from a French term, which in turn derives
from the Latin "colere," which means to tend to the earth and grow, or
cultivation and nurture.
3. The Center for Advance Research on Language
Acquisition goes a step further, defining culture as
shared patterns of behaviors and interactions, cognitive
constructs and understanding that are learned by
socialization. Thus, it can be seen as the growth of a
group identity fostered by social patterns unique to the
group.
4. WESTERN CULTURE
The term "Western culture" has come to define the
culture of European countries as well as those that
have been heavily influenced by European immigration,
such as the United States, according to Khan University.
Western culture has its roots in the Classical Period of
the Greco-Roman era and the rise of Christianity in the
14th century.
6. EASTERN CULTURE
Eastern culture generally refers to the societal norms of
countries in Far East Asia (including China, Japan,
Vietnam, North Korea and South Korea) and
the Indian subcontinent. Like the West, Eastern culture
was heavily influenced by religion during its early
development, but it was also heavily influenced by the
growth and harvesting of rice.
8. LATIN CULTURE
Many of the Spanish-speaking nations are considered part of
the Latin culture, while the geographic region is widespread.
Latin America is typically defined as those parts of the
Central America, South America and Mexico where Spanish
or Portuguese are the dominant languages. Originally, the
term “Latin America” was used by French geographers to
differentiate between Anglo and Romance (Latin-based)
languages.
10. MIDDLE EASTERN
The countries of the Middle East have some but not all
things in common. This is not a surprise, since the area
consists of approximately 20 countries, according
to PBS. The Arabic language is one thing that is
common throughout the region; however, the wide
variety of dialect can sometimes make
communication difficult. Religion is another cultural
area that the countries of the Middle East have in
common. The Middle East is the birthplace of
Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
12. AFRICAN CULTURE
The continent of Africa is essential to all cultures. Human
life originated on this continent and began to migrate to
other areas of the world around 60,000 years ago, according
to the Natural History Museum.
• Home to a number of tribes, ethnic and social groups.
• Key features of this culture is the large number of ethnic
groups throughout the 54 countries on the continent. For
e.g Nigeria alone has more than 300 tribes.
13. Contd…
• Two cultural groups: North Africa and Sub-Saharan
Africa. This is because Northwest Africa has strong
ties to Middle East, while Sub-Africa shares
historical, physical and social characteristics that are
very different from North Africa, according to
the University of Colorado.