Cultural Background and History

Cultural Background and History

Cultural background refers to the collective practices, beliefs, values, customs, traditions, habits, and behavioural norms learned by members of society from one another. It encompasses various aspects such as religious beliefs, family structure, social behaviors, arts, literature, music, cuisine, festivals, holidays, mythology, rites of passage, economic and political systems, boundaries, ethnography, landscape architecture, climate change, animal species classification, and geographical areas.

The cultural background of individuals is influenced by their communities, including both their immediate surroundings where they live and work, as well as interactions with distant cultures through media like radio, television, movies, books, magazines, newspapers, telephones, and the internet. This influence can shape personal identity and contribute to feelings of belonging within a group. Understanding these influences and their impact on people's lives can help students gain perspective when studying other cultures in school.

To illustrate how this works, consider the following example: A person might have a deep sense of connection to a particular place due to its beautiful scenery, significant historical events, or meaningful experiences there; however, if they were born away from it or never visited, they would still feel connected and identify with others who share the same emotions because of a shared cultural experience represented by stories about the region. In essence, cultural background provides people with a framework for understanding themselves and others, allowing them to navigate complex situations and build relationships based on shared understandings.

Although discussions surrounding culture typically revolve around visible characteristics, there are many invisible and implicit elements involved too—such as personal values, attitudes, assumptions, perceptions, desires, motivations, needs, expectations, interests, and habits—which make up a larger part of what we mean by 'culture'. These hidden components often serve as barriers to intercultural communication, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and failure to achieve common goals.

In conclusion, understanding your own cultural background and those of others is crucial for effective communication, cooperation, collaboration, and successful living together in today's globalized world. By being aware of our diverse cultural heritages, we can appreciate each other more fully while respecting differences, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting harmony among peoples of different backgrounds.