WEEK 2: COMPONENTS OF CULTURE

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Does Language Shape Reality?

Two anthropologists, Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf, have argued that language is more than simply attaching labels to the "real world."

Does Language Shape Reality?

They reject the view that language merely describes a single reality. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis holds that we know the world only in terms of our language.

Language then determines our cultural reality.

Does Language Shape Reality?

Do you agree?

THE COMPONENTS OF CULTURE

Even though considerable cultural variation exists, all cultures share five components: symbols, language, values, norms and material objects.

1. Symbols

A symbol is anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by people who share a culture. Symbols, often taken for granted, are the means by which we make sense of our lives. Symbols vary widely globally and even within a given society. Some gestures may be viewed positively in one culture may be seen as an insult in another.

Symbols

Symbols

The British sign for Victory (forefinger and middle finger erect) symbolizes the letter V, a sign for victory. However, the same movement may symbolize the number two in the United States, and may be seen as insulting in Australia.

Symbols

Symbols

Wait!

Symbols

Slow Down!Be Patient!

2. Language

Language is a system of symbols that allows members of a society to communicate with one another.

The significance of language for human communication is vividly illustrated by the story of Helen Keller; she acquired language and a symbolic understanding of the world, through the help of her teacher Ann Sullivan. 

Language

Hellen Keller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=XdTUSignq7Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=gbCk_DQCOp4

Language

The process by which culture is passed, through language, from one generation to the next is our most important form of cultural transmission.

3. Values and Beliefs

Values are defined as the standards by which people assess desirability, goodness, and beauty; they are broad principles which underlie beliefs, specific statements that people hold to be true.

Values and Beliefs

Example: There are several central values that are widely accepted in Canadian society. For example, Americans value freedom and individual initiative while Canadians stress conformity and obedience to the law. The Canadian tendency to emphasize the good of the collectivity over the good of the individual has resulted in social programs such as universal medical care.

4. Norms

Norms are defined as rules that guide behaviour. They can be proscriptive, mandating what we should not do, or prescriptive, stating what we should do.

Norms

Example: You probably wouldn't belch loudly in public. You're aware that a social norm says people frown on such behavior. On the other hand, you probably do hold doors open for people and say "bless you" when someone sneezes. These are examples of a different kind of social norm. Norms come in many categories. One of the most popular categorizations of norms involves the contrast between prescriptive and proscriptive norms, proposed by American sociologist James Coleman. Prescriptive norms are those that society encourages, while proscriptive norms describe activities that society discourages.

5. Material Culture and Technology

Material and non-material culture are very closely related. Artifacts, or tangible human creations, express the values of a culture. For instance, the Yanomamo value militaristic skill, and devote great care to making weapons while Canadians value independence and build highways for our automobiles.

Material Culture and Technology The industrial society is giving way to the

information society where the focus is on the creation, processing and application of information. Cultural symbols in the past were transmitted from generation to generation. Heroes were real people, then long dead. In the emerging Cyber-society, cultural symbols are created electronically by a small elite and the heroes are not real but virtual. Today’s youngsters hear little of Alexander Graham Bell or Maurice Richard but know intimately Homer Simpson and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles