1.1 Check for Understanding PRACTICE

What is culture?

• People in the same family.

• People who live in a city.

• A set of norms for people to get along.

• A set of shared beliefs between a group of people

Answer explanation

Culture is not about being in the same family or living in a city. It's about the shared beliefs, values, and norms that bind a group of people together. These shared beliefs create a collective identity that members of a group adhere to, making 'A set of shared beliefs between a group of people' the correct answer to the question 'What is culture?'.

Which of following is not a trait that is shared by a culture?

• Occupation (job)

• Religion

• Language

• Beliefs

Answer explanation

Culture is typically characterized by shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices. These are often reflected in aspects such as religion, language, and general beliefs. Occupation or job, however, is not necessarily a shared trait within a cultural group, as it depends on individual choices and circumstances, rather than cultural norms or values.

Texting can be a form of culturally unique written language.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement in the question is indeed true. Texting has evolved into a unique written language with its own syntax, grammar, and shorthand. This can vary by culture, as different groups adapt the technology in unique ways, creating a form of culturally unique written language.

Sort the features of culture into the correct categories.

Groups:

(a) Visible Culture

,

(b) Invisible Culture

• Gestures

• Concept of personal space

• Paintings

• Importance of time

• Concept of fairness

• Facial expressions

• Work ethic

• Values

Which of the following is NOT an element of culture?

• Native plants

• Beliefs and values

• Arts

• Government

Answer explanation

The question asks about elements of culture, which typically includes things like beliefs/values, arts, and government systems. These are all creations of human society. Native plants, however, are not an element of culture because they exist in nature and aren't created or significantly shaped by human society.

Which of the following statements best describes culture?

• Customs & beliefs that a group of people share

• Policies & systems that individual people follow in society

• The production & consumption of goods & services

• A record of past events that influences people & places

Answer explanation

Culture is best characterized by the customs and beliefs shared amongst a group of people. While policies and systems, the economic model, and history can affect a group's culture, they are not the defining aspects of what culture is. Therefore, the answer is 'Customs & beliefs that a group of people share.'

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding periodization?

• History never repeats itself from time period to time period.

• Each time period is exactly the same length (number of years)

• Historical concepts like expansion and conflict span across all time periods.

• A new time period always begins after the end of a war

Answer explanation

The statement 'Historical concepts like expansion and conflict span across all time periods' is true because history is not compartmentalized. No matter the era, aspects like expansion and conflict are present, demonstrating a continuity of these concepts across all periods. This continuity is a cornerstone of periodization, which is the division of history into periods.

Language is a key component of culture.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Language is indeed a key component of culture. Through language, we communicate and express our thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It helps in building relationships and fostering a sense of community. Thus, it is a crucial aspect of our cultural identity.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of culture?

• It is learned

• It is shared

• It is biological

• It is symbolic

Answer explanation

Culture is characterized by being learned, shared, and symbolic. The option 'It is biological' is not a characteristic of culture. Culture is a social construct and it is learned and acquired, rather than being a biological trait which is inherited. Therefore, the statement 'It is biological' is not a characteristic of culture.

Which of the following is not a component of culture?

• Values

• Norms

• Artifacts

• Climate

Answer explanation

The question asked which option is not a component of culture. Culture is typically comprised of elements such as values, norms, and artifacts. Climate, however, refers to the weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period, and is not considered a component of culture, thus it is the correct answer.