Characteristics of culture 文化的特征

1）Culture isn't something we're born with - it's learned, like a language. As kids, concepts and norms are absorbed from family, school, and society. Through this process, we become fluent in the unwritten rules of our culture.

2）Culture also evolves over time — it's dynamic, not static. Technology, globalization, and events create cultural shifts. Think of cellphone etiquette rules that didn't exist a decade ago! Culture adapts to new realities.

3）Culture is pervasive too, touching all aspects of life. From how we greet each other, to what food we enjoy, to notions of success — culture shapes our realities. It's the very water we swim in each day.

4）Culture is integrated - its elements connect to form a whole. Religion, values, language, rituals - these pieces interconnect and reinforce each other. Together they provide meaning and guidance.

5）Culture is adaptive.

Cultures adapt and evolve over time. Throughout history, major events have catalyzed cultural transformations. Change is inevitable.

A key example is shifting gender roles in China. For centuries, women were confined to the home. But economic and cultural forces have reshaped women's roles, with more pursuing careers and education. This required adaptation from both genders, challenging traditional norms. Yet culture is flexible, not static.

While traditions run deep, culture adapts to new realities. As women worldwide gained more rights and opportunities, cultures evolved in response.

Through adaptation, culture endures, even as values transform across generations. Despite growing pains, change enables progress.

So culture is no static checklist. Culture may be complex, but understanding its actual characteristics allows us to navigate it with wisdom.

巩固练习

1 Multiple Choice:

Which of the following is NOT considered a key characteristic of culture?

a) Learned

b) Static

c) Integrated

d) Pervasive

Answer: b) Static

Explanation: The script states culture is dynamic and adaptive, not static.

2 Multiple Choice:

Which characteristic of culture refers to the way its components interconnect?

a) Pervasive

b) Integrated

c) Learned

d) Adaptive

Answer: b) Integrated

Explanation: The integrated characteristic refers to how elements of culture such as religion, values, language, and rituals all connect to form an interconnected whole.

3 True/False:

Culture does not evolve or change over time.

Answer: False

Explanation: The script explains how culture is dynamic and adaptive, with examples of how cultural shifts occur.

4 True/False:

Culture only affects certain areas of life.

Answer: False

Explanation: The script states culture is pervasive, influencing all aspects of life.

5 Short Answer:

Give one example of how culture has adapted over time.

Example answer: Gender roles in China have changed with more women pursuing jobs and education outside the home.

6 Short Answer:

Briefly explain what it means for culture to be learned.

Example answer: Culture is learned gradually through childhood absorption from family, school, and society. We become fluent in cultural norms through this process.