Defining Culture

Some definitions of culture emphasize its basis in meaning. All human activity involves meaning, and this is what distinguishes it from the activity of non-human animal species. Culture, then, arises exclusively from human activity and excludes other species. Meaning presupposes language; in other words language, which is a unique characteristic of humans, at the same time characterizes culture. Culture as Norms and Values A more restricted definition of culture defines it as the values held …

…official language. Traditionally American national feeling has not been ethnic but based on a sense of shared belonging and social identity which has meant that at least in theory anybody could become an American citizen but this required a commitment to English as the common language. Living comfortably in a multicultural society means getting to know a little about other groups. No one culture has all the answers or the best ways of doing things.