Introduction and Definitions
Back to: What is Culture?
Practical insights
We asked volunteers working in the field of migration what comes to mind when they think of the term „culture“. Are you curios? Watch now!
For understanding intercultural communication processes and for building up intercultural competences it it essential to know: What is culture?
Many researchers have racked their brains over this question. Initially the term „culture“ traces back to the Latin word „cultura“ which means cultivation of land, agriculture.
In a narrower sense many people speak of culture when they think of achievements of high civilisation such as education, fine arts, poetry, music etc.
But culture is much more than this and can express itself in many „common“ fields of human life. Work, communication, family structures, language, nutrition, clothing and many other aspects reflect the culture of a certain country, region or community. In general, culture is a certain lifestyle or social mode of behaviour.
Definitions of Culture
There are various definitions and concepts of the term „culture“. Each of them emphasises certain aspects. We would like to introduce some of them here in order to encourage our learners to think about different perceptions and perspectives of culture.
Culture is the collective programming of the mind.
Hofstede, 2001
Some criticise this definition as too mechanical and underline that culture is actively created by humans
Culture is the way in which a group of people solves problems and reconciles dilemmas.
Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner, 1997
This definition seems to be application-oriented but focuses in a one-sided manner on culture as an act of problem-solving.
Culture is a universal orientation system that is typical for a society, an organisation or a group. (…) It affects perception, thinking, values and acting of all cultural members and defines their social affiliation.
Thomas, 1993
This definition implies that all human beings at all times and in all regions develop culture. Culture serves for orientation and provides evaluation criteria for coping with demands and challenges of the respective environment.
In intercultural research culture is understood as
the entirety of attitudes, principles, assumptions, values, ideals and behavioural standards that are shared by a group, influence the behaviour of the group members and serve as interpretation approach for the behaviour of others.
Spencer-Oatey, 1999
Thus, culture characterises the lifestyle and views of societies and individuals. It controls human behaviour while behaviour, on the other hand, affects the performance of culture. Culture is always subject of permanent change and exists in the stress field of tradition, social heritage and innovation.