Culture is a fuzzy set of basic assumptions and values, orientations to life, beliefs, policies, procedures and behavioural conventions that are shared by a group of people, and that influence (but do not determine) each member’s behaviour and his/her interpretations of the ‘meaning’ of other people’s behaviour.’ — Spencer-Oatey 2008: 3

The characteristics of culture that are emphasized by the proposed definition are:

1) Culture affects behavior and interpretations of behavior. This characteristic of culture means that while a certain cultural action or gesture, such as giving the “OK” hand gesture, is physically visible, the meaning of said action is often invisible to the bystander. The article uses the example that the American symbol for “OK” (the touching of the pointer finger and thumb together to form a circle) is perceived as the “OK” symbol in some countries but is also viewed as an obscene gesture in others. The definition claims that these behaviors are shared by a group of people and enacted by the individuals who take part in that culture, and how they view the behaviors of other cultures.

2) Culture is associated with social groups. This definition acknowledges the characteristic that culture is associated with social groups. A culture cannot be considered a culture unless it is shared among more than one person. The reading gives the example of a hermit, who is only one person, not being able to have his own culture.

Two more important “key characteristics” that are not emphasized by the Spencer-Oatey’s definition of culture are :

1) The various parts of a culture are all, to some degree, interrelated. The many cultures of the world are connected and work together. If one culture experiences a change or develops a new technology, odds are that another culture will be affected in either a positive or negative way. The reading uses the invention of the television as an example. The TV was developed in the USA but is now being used in many other countries as well as for political campaigns and early education of children. Another example is the invention of plastic water bottles which were initially developed by Perrier in the UK. If you look around today you will see almost every country using plastic water bottles.

2) Culture is a descriptive not an evaluative concept. Many people think of the terms “high culture” or simply “cultured” when they think of the word “culture” and try to define it. To think of the word in this way is to think of it as a term to describe people who have a taste for the finer things and are up to date on current events and politics. Culture actually has nothing to do with this descriptive term, it is something that everybody has that describes the way that they are.

An inadequate conception of culture is that it is timeless. According to the characteristic, “Culture is subject to gradual change”, this is not true. Culture changes often and it is likely that a culture that exists today will be very different in 10 years. Cultures are also interconnected, so as one culture changes, so will the other.

As a German Studies Major, not only is it common sense to take a World Languages and Cultures class, it is mandatory. Throughout my studies of the German language, which began more than six years ago, I have discovered that if one decides to study a language they must also study the culture. Without studying the culture of the language one is studying, one becomes culturally illiterate (a term coined by German professor Sabine Smith), meaning that they may be able to speak the specific language with fluency but they socially cannot function in the country because they know nothing of the culture. Through this course, I am hoping to prioritize learning the following language and culture skills that will aid me in my future career in international business:

1. How to identify the fundamental concepts of language, cultural identity, and intercultural competence.
2. How to prepare for a study abroad program or job.
3. How to reflect upon my own cultural identity as well as my attitude toward the cultures of others.

 

In order to prioritize these three objectives, thus meeting my goals for the semester, I plan on doing the following (each strategy corresponding to the objective with the matching number)

1. Attend class and follow along with lessons and in/out of class work while investigating themes and topics further on my own.
2. Search for a program in Germany, or possibly a country I have never been to, and interview a professor who teaches the language of the country to find out about what needs to be done to apply, as well as what cultural shocks I may experience.P
3. Pay attention to how I view my own culture and heritage and talk to my friends about their cultures while making note of the differences and similarities between the two.

 

To conclude, I’d like to ask my audience why they are interested in this class. Is it because you, much like myself, want to avoid being culturally illiterate? If not, what is your justification for taking this class, other than just requirement?