Culture Defined

Experiencing Irish Culture Through
 Music and Song with Locals

 Two Definitions of Culture

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "no culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive" (Correct Quotes).  Based on his quote, culture would die if it becomes private—it must be social and inclusive.  Argosy University's online lectures indicate that concept of self, space and time, the three key elements of culture, must be understood to explain different views of  different cultures.  For example, some cultures view being late a tradition or custom, while others view being late an insult (Argosy, 2011; Usunier & Lee, 2005).  Entering a new market in another company without understanding the culture's peculuarities would be a great risk and most likely fail.  In this article two different definitions of culture will be discussed, the researcher will indicate the culture he or she subscribes to and why that culture definition is a preferred explanation of "the culture".

Definitions of Culture:

In 1958, Williams defined culture as being ordinary. Williams explained that all societies have a distinct shape, purpose, and meaning and that societies express these in their learning, their art, and their institutions (WSU, 2011).

In 1987, Damen defined culture as human patterns or models of living.  Damen declared that these patterns are learned and shared by people and saturate all aspects of daily social interactions of humans.  In addition, Damen penned culture as the primary adaptive mechanism for mankind (CARLA, 2011).

Discussion of Definitions: 

During the time in history that Williams defined culture—late fifties there was a mind set of "high culture" that included social classes believing culture was only for the rich and famous and set themselves above the ordinary or common man.  Williams pioneered cultural studies and introduced symbolism into the realism of everyday living—including work life.  His definition brought to light that culture was inclusive for the ordinary people, as well as those in higher social classes.  Institutions were also recognized as having cultures (WSU, 2011).  

Damen's definition applies learning and its impact on culture.  In order to exist in a global community learning different cultures is key to success and growth.  Culture allows mankind to adapt and survive.  Furthermore, living models and human patterns are intertwined by knowledge and sharing by people at all levels of human interaction (CLARA, 2011).

Usunier and Lee (2005) state there are four essential elements to culture are
language, symbolic productions, material productions and Institutions. Both Williams and Damen's culture definition is inclusive of each element.

Conclusion:

This researcher subscribes to the definition of culture by Damen (1987), because it is more applicable to a global community, which we have become.  This definition also includes the key elements of time, space and self worth.   Most importantly, the definition does not exclude any element or dimension of culture and can be applied to an organization, region, or religion.  Damen's culture definition is inclusive of all aspects of humanity, it lives through learning and makes change possible.  Based on this research two definitions of culture was discussed and the researcher gave reasons for subscribing to one over the other.  Gandi had it right when he said an exclusive culture will not live. 

References

Argosy University (2011).  Online lecture: module one. Retrieved from

http://myeclassonline.com/re/DotNextLaunch.asp?courseid=4890155&userid=5782835&sessionid=41d7bf5387&tabid=pc9XOD8eLQzV8Scz9uhxbRGC9D7Wl3JlaeaD2aXregAsNMHtZkAFiNCr+bam5Knduxu6eojcGbRsMlkoF+x86g==&macid=UZXX0Bv956qpAS2NxGww73FWpcLEw882MajmScpVgXGjGyfN97QLpbLObnrwVFWVL5txoUKQ8KaKew2GooI3p6b+mH5XiQ5AYvte9lYWjt06SR3Q/M8QZ4v5i6aQSa42PT7zOckBcQrgkbyt90yxxjBlCC5Ruc6dNiFMwXCwdFrJmn+kaljTVDVBd1I6vlVBypbZpKZpb2Z1pKHXkoZ4zH3i5RgOyTnxDw3YK5XvPJc=

CARLA. (2011). The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA):

Damen, L. (1987). Culture Learning: The Fifth Dimension on the Language Classroom. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.  Retrieved from http://www.carla.umn.edu/culture/definitions.html

Usunier, J. C. & Lee, J. A. (2005).  Marketing across cultures (4^th ed).  New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

WSU. (2011).  Washington State University . Raymond Williams, Moving from High Culture to Ordinary Culture Originally published in N. McKenzie (ed.), Convictions, 1958.  Retrieved from http://www.wsu.edu/gened/learn-modules/top_culture/culture-definitions/raymond-williams.html