The definition of culture may vary person to person or country to country or to the extent of belief to belief. Culture has been embedded in many forms around the globe: Religion/Ethnic background, belief systems are some of the most common elements that are referred to cultural diversity, but culture is, in fact, a phenomenon based on the social behaviors of the people based in that area of reference. With the emerging and progressing world, new cultures have been observed; the social behavior changes from generation to generation, therefore humans are certain to experience introductions to cultures in the coming age.
There are 195 countries in the world with a population of over 7.6 billion, ranging from cultural diversities and upbringing. Global cultural diversity is experienced widely by people who visit countries for reasons like or work or travel. With the use of technology, it has now become possible to observe these enriching sides of varied cultures. There are innumerable stories that have been shared where people talk about their experiences of living or visiting a country. Every country embarks a different value than the people born and living tend to follow with great respect. Cultural diversity is a vast concept that is based on experiencing daily activities that differentiate the originality of the place.
Students visiting foreign countries experience international/foreign culture the way it is, by living in an environment that directly gives an insight into the culture that is normally followed. Below mentioned are the aspects based on which one can figure out why the culture followed by a country is so enriching to experience in general.
For a better understanding of the following written context, suggest imagining of putting oneself in a position of a student who is visiting a foreign country for pursuing higher education.
With the use of various tools and the sense of creativity, humans have been successfully depicting the cultural norms followed at the period of time. Countries and cities have been using arts as a tool that provides visual representations of people establishing the cultural practices followed by the people in that country. Research of historical background of the country will help one gain a better understanding of the cultural norms. Drama is another aspect that has improved with time and age providing visual entertainment in the forms like theatre and performing arts, dramatically inclined acts provide a great understanding of the values that are followed in the society. Music is a great source that provides the understanding of the background and the taste of individuals residing in that country.
When combined all three together, one can experience the visual and vocal aid that is entertainment through movies or videos that give individuals to learn about the culture in an easier and accessible form. Students understand the importance of arts/music/drama and how it impacts the world.
Example – France is popularly known for many its historical monuments that portray the scenarios.
Beliefs are set with the help of lifestyle, visions, past experiences and information that is gained in the process of upbringing resulting in merging with their ethnicity or cultural background. Beliefs play a major role when considering the functioning of people of a certain place. In today’s time, beliefs are reflected with a step that is used to improve the scenarios in the world. Students often understand the beliefs of society with liberal gestures like these that have resulted in making the world a better place. Students pursuing higher studies in a country that functions on the aspects of its beliefs experience the ethnicity and tradition of people.
Example – People originating from England are known to be disciplined, their belief towards punctuality has resulted in such a pattern of behavior.
Attitudes represent the current scenario of the place, it is basically the viewpoint that is represented by a set of people originating from that place. Attitudes help people to understand the cultural belief that the people residing in the country follow along with understanding the values and ethics they choose to follow in order to improve and set an example for the generation that is yet to witness this cultural diversity. Experience attitude at foreign countries teaches students to adjust and respect people who are certain to follow their set of values.
Example – American continent varies with people that have different attitudes that signify their level of tolerance and understanding towards religion.
Communication through various devices is now possible only because of the invention of languages that have meaning and purpose when sent. Languages might be often a barrier for students studying abroad; it is a great way to learn a new language in its real sense that is by living among those who communicate using that language.
Example – Asia, people hailing from countries like China, India, Korea, Japanese, Nepal, etc speak different languages.
Religion plays a vital role in understanding the practices followed by the group of people, the results of ethnicity and historical backgrounds can help students understand why the religion is being widely followed and how the formation is affecting in the values and practices of humans of that area.
Example – Christianity is a widely followed religion in many countries.
People follow customs and rituals that are either signified through religious beliefs or through a culture they relate to the most. Customs and rituals are followed so that people can stand up for their own beliefs that are socially or place specific. Students that visit a country that is highly known for following rituals experience such scenarios that are based on following customs and rituals.
Example – India is widely known for its popular customs and rituals.
One can differentiate the country by just eating food that is served from a cuisine, it is because of the supplements and spices used to prepare the food. The supplements used for making the cuisine are produced is hailing from that country providing students experience taste of a variety of dishes known from that origin or country.
Example – Italian cuisine.
Cultural diversity is a broad concept, the primary function of encountering with various societal beliefs, norms and pattern, is to understand and observe the changing and emerging world. Cultural diversity is an enriching notion that articulates the expression and environment of the society or world, giving students an experience that builds their personality.
Dhruv is Content Creator at 扒哥黑料.com. He is fond of words and everything related to them. Writing about different things from around the world gives him immense pleasure, and a very healthy by-product is sharing the information and helping others in the process.
Register here to get newsletters for the latest study abroad news & free counselling assistance.
Categories: Study Abroad