The Elements Of Culture

337 Words2 Pages
Within every human being’s life there can be found various cultural aspects which have influenced their lifestyle and reflect the type of person they are. Overtime, people have developed numerous cultural principles, which they carried on through generations to leave an imprint in history. For many, these cultural values are considered an identity and continue to be cherished and treasured by several diverse groups. One major contradiction to culture is individualism which is commonly found within American society. The majority of Americans tend to abandon their cultural beliefs, practices and values brought up through generations, in order to adjust and feel more comfortable among the American society. Each different culture is structured with several characteristics which make it unique and special in its own way. To understand the significance of various cultures, one must analyze the principals which help build it, such as values, norm, symbols, language and knowledge. Values are the basis of subjective standard that correlate how we live and interact with others. Norm would be identified as ones natural instincts or habits which help him/her get through the day. Norm is often relevant to the various laws and regulations which help a society function in a civilized manner. Symbolism gives the notion to things which mean something greater than itself through ones personal perception of life. Through gestures, images, and objects individuals represent their lifestyle and identity as they desire to be perceived by society. Language is ideal within many cultures for it is a solitary system of communicating verbally or through symbols. It is the first element of culture, as learning culture is achieved through language itself. Language allows us transmit information, thoughts and ideas by storing symbols and using them in the form of language. Finally, knowledge is
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