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Discussion post 3

After doing the reading and watching the videos from unit 3, what are two (2) new things that you have learned about culture?

16 thoughts on “Discussion post 3”

  1. Stephanie Legrier says:

    Two things I have learned is the role culture has on society as a whole and how much culture changes.I always thought cultture was more of a constant thing despite some beliefs being carried on for years Ive learned their is much adaptations. To live in the new era you must move a long with it and move foward. Through adapting and creating new norms and beliefs many cultures are able to progress. Culture has a huge role on society with uniting people. The video allowed me to gain information on the study behind it. The video convey the idea of how anthropologists and sociologist heavily investigate and learn about culture. They do this because it plays a huge role in social order. Which keeps society running and flowing.

  2. Carlos Wil says:

    One thing I learned about culture is that subscribing to mainstream values, norms, and beliefs keeps people invested in unequal social systems that do not work in their best interest, but rather, benefit the powerful minority. What Karl Marx said was before his time, and it’s something I’ve felt for a long time but didn’t realize the consensus that we are being brainwashed for the benefit of the minority. Personally, I think it matters on how you receive Marx’s message. We should digest his message, then elevate and educate ourselves and our understanding, and shape our cultures accordingly.

    Secondly, I learned there was a difference between a second language and a foreign language from a cultural perspective. I thought the two were synonyms. But it makes perfect sense to me as English is my second language and not considered a First language or Foreign language. I need English to work and function in our society. If I learn a third language, it could be perceived as a foreign language if I need it for travel or studies even though there might not be a cultural relationship with the language.

  4. Chayanne Vasquez says:

    Through my reading, I’ve gained insight into the distinction between ‘language’ and ‘culture.’ ‘Language’ denotes culturally influenced communication, while ‘culture’ encompasses aspects beyond language. Although these two are intertwined, we can discern their differences by observing how different languages are tied to specific cultures. Another important lesson pertains to the dual nature of culture: it can act as a tool for oppression and dominance, but it also holds the potential for creativity, resistance, and liberation. On one hand, cultures can be wielded to suppress and dominate certain groups, often through the imposition of a dominant culture’s beliefs, values, and practices. This leads to the marginalization or suppression of minority cultures, resulting in inequality, discrimination, and harm. Yet, it’s crucial to understand that culture isn’t inherently negative. It can also serve as a wellspring of creativity, empowerment, and a means of expressing unique perspectives for those within marginalized groups. Additionally, cultures can resist oppressive forces, advocating for change and challenging unjust systems.

  5. Michael Pierce says:

    While I don’t think I’ve learned anything “new” , two things I found interesting were: our capacity as humans to learn and pick up culture. It reminds me of humans innate ability to pick up/learn languages.

    Beliefs, practices, and rituals being under the umbrella of culture. How beliefs change and morph over time but I never thought about “practices”, our actions because of our “beliefs” take hold and manifest. I used to think of beliefs and practices as one in the same, however seeing them split up in two categories but ultimately being extensions of one another is interesting. I suppose I did learn something new.

  6. Nabri Patterson says:

    Language and culture from a global perspective refer to the study of how people from different parts of the world communicate and express themselves through their unique languages and cultural practices. Two new things about culture that can be inferred are the increasing influence of globalization on cultural traditions and the growing importance of cultural diversity and understanding in today’s interconnected world.

    It’s fascinating to see how globalization is having an increasing impact on cultural norms since it shows how connected the globe has grown and how cultural norms are no longer restricted to particular areas or populations. This has caused some cultural traditions to spread over the world, which can have both beneficial and harmful effects on cultural variety and identity.

    The growing significance of cultural variety and understanding in today’s globally interconnected society is intriguing because it highlights the necessity for individuals and communities to recognize and respect cultural differences. Understanding various cultures and lifestyles is essential for successful communication, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect in a society that is becoming more globally connected. Additionally, it aids in fostering cultural dialogue and education, which can improve and broaden our perspectives.

  7. Daniela Moreno says:

    From this new unit called “Culture” I was able to open my knowledge further and expand this very important concept.
    Something new that I learned based on the information presented is that culture, apart from being a set of beliefs and practices, is also symbolic, like art and language. It symbolizes something that represents something else, without a natural connection.
    Although the members of a culture share many things in common, it does not mean that all members of that culture think, act and express themselves in the same way, since there are certain factors that alter the behavior of a group of people in a certain way, such as the age, gender, education, and other types of characteristics. Individuals have the ability to create, interpret and communicate the meanings of symbols within their specific groups or within society at large.

    Another important part I learned from this unit is the important relationship between Culture and Language. How language development and socialization contribute to shaping cultural identities and models of the world. How language and culture are deeply rooted in the human experience, with neurological and physiological roots. And also how they have evolved within the social life of the human species, and what is truly remarkable is how language and culture are inseparable. Human culture always incorporates language, and language is invariably influenced by its cultural context.

    Thank you.

  8. Grace Valette says:

    What are two (2) new things that you have learned about culture?

    I’d say I learned quite a few things about culture and language in relation to culture from this reading. I think I already knew a lot of what was talked about in relation to culture but some things stood out to me and made me rethink what I already knew. The reading mentioned that language and culture go hand in hand but not only that, language has an immense influence over culture. I always thought the opposite, which is still true but I realized from the reading that to know any culture, you must know its language. The reading expressed that to really know a culture and experience it as a native you must truly know the language. And if you are learning that language as a second or foreign language it is almost impossible to truly understand that culture. This is because when you are learning a language that is not your first, you don’t know the different interpretations of a word or a phrase as it would be in the language you’re learning. The meaning of the word or phrase could be completely lost in translation. That is why when second languages are taught, the culture of the language you are leaning must also be taught.

    I also learned that culture is more of an idea or concept than anything else. I always thought of it as something very concrete and it should be obvious to everyone. What I learned about culture is that it is simply a mash up of language, religion/ faith, traditions, food, behavior, and the social norms of the given society. It is what gives each place it’s uniqueness but also it doesn’t mean that everyone from that culture will be the same. We are all human and all have many differences. Although, when you are in a foreign place and you meet someone form your culture you will most likely have a connection because it feels familiar and safe to you. There will still be many differences between you and that person.

    I would say my understanding of language and culture keeps improving and I am curious to see what other new concepts I will lear in this class.

    1. Tuvi Voorhees says:

      Very interesting. I was struck by the part where you wrote that you thought of culture as being concrete. I think that many people do and I don’t think it is an accident. Thinking of culture as concrete affords us a certain amount of protection, I think, and that is arguably a very important part of culture. Culture protects us.

  9. Joselee Santos says:

    I’ve learned that without culture in this world there wouldn’t be relationships or a society. I took this deeper than the statement itself, more because of the fact how the world is now. For example let’s use the BLM movement that started in 2020 and it is still ongoing. Take that and think back how hard we went to make the movement a huge impact, NYC broke the internet, people were screaming at the top of their lungs for people who have passed that they don’t even know. That is an amazing relationship, we made each other voices heard, helped families grieve by asking for justice for the victim. Another thing I learned about culture in unit three is, “our culture defines people’s expectations from us. In the attempt to fulfill them,
    we shape our behavior and personality to suit our culture” was stated in the youtube video my professor provided. I strongly disagree with this even though the person in the video states it as a fact. It is a new thing to learn because everyone is absolutely different no matter where you are from. So many things can come along with life and affect the way you behave. But it was a new learning thing for me. Lastly, I concluded by learning ”culture constantly changes in response to both internal and external factors” stated the youtube video. At first I thought to myself what does she mean internal and external? I related this to trends, or what conjoins us besides our culture. Not only does outside you exist, but also inside you. If you’re from the same culture, maybe inside you will be more present than outside you. With trends you can improve us people of the earth to be closer with outside us, society wise.

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