Cultural is a broad term that covers the social behaviour, traditions, values, laws, beliefs, arts, customs and habits of people in a particular area or group. It can also include the mass media, such as TV or radio programs, and mass publishing of books, magazines and newspapers.
It’s important to understand the different types of culture because this can help you learn about different people around you. This can give you an appreciation for other people’s backgrounds and their values, which may help you feel more comfortable around them.
Understanding culture is a key part of learning about humanities, and the more you know about it, the better prepared you will be to study it in the future. Taking part in cultural events, such as performances, festivals and other activities, will enrich your experience of the world and expand your horizons.
Knowing about different cultures can make you more empathetic and understanding of others’ experiences, which can lead to improved work performance and collaboration. It can also help you avoid discrimination in your community, workplace or online.
Some ways to gain a greater understanding of different cultures are by joining a sports team or club, pursuing a career in a community that is diverse or living in a neighbourhood with people of different cultural backgrounds.
Then, you can try to make an effort to interact with them and get to know them on a personal level. This can be as simple as chatting to them or having a catch up with them.
This can be a great way to get to know someone on a deeper level and build friendships. By doing this, you can get a better idea of what their lives are like, and what they have in common with you.
You can also learn about other cultures by watching foreign films, visiting local food festivals or searching for other resources on the internet. It’s also a good idea to look at the assumptions that you make about people in your community, whether they’re friends or coworkers.
Another way to become more empathetic of others is to think about your own culture. For example, if you’re used to being rude or ignoring other people in public spaces, when you go to a place where there are more strangers than usual, you may feel a bit confused and anxious because of the unfamiliar culture norms that are present.
If you’re a parent, you can also use this knowledge to encourage your children to be more respectful and tolerant of other people. This can help them be more successful and happy in school, and in life.
The best way to improve your ability to appreciate cultural diversity is by integrating it into all aspects of your life. If you’re a student, this could mean arranging a course that focuses on the arts and culture as well as your academic studies. It could also mean choosing to live in a city that is more diverse than your own, or joining a cultural organization at your university.