The importance of culture, language
and identity
"Understanding others makes possible a better knowledge of
oneself: any form of identity is complex, for individuals are defined in
relation to other people - both individually and collectively - and the various
groups to which they owe allegiance, in a constantly shifting pattern."
1.
What does this quote mean to you? Write out your ideas in a small
paragraph
This quote shows me that we are
not only individually unique but we are also unique as a whole. We don't make
ourselves unique but others show us how different we really are. Our society is
ever changing and nothing will ever be the same.
Understanding
and valuing cultural diversity are the keys to countering racism. All
individuals must feel free to explore the uniqueness of their culture and
identity while developing understandings of the cultural diversity that exists
in the world around them. Denying cultural expression means limiting the
expression of unique perspectives on life and the transmission of knowledge
from generation to generation.
Culture and language
Culture is a defining feature of a person's identity, contributing
to how they see themselves and the groups with which they identify. Culture may
be broadly defined as the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of
human beings, which is transmitted from one generation to another. Every
community, cultural group or ethnic group has its own values, beliefs and ways
of living.
The
observable aspects of culture such as food, clothing, celebrations, religion
and language are only part of a person's cultural heritage. The shared values,
customs and histories characteristic of culture shape the way a person thinks,
behaves and views the world. A shared cultural heritage bonds the members of
the group together and creates a sense of belonging through community
acceptance.
Language
is intrinsic to the expression of culture. As a means of communicating values,
beliefs and customs, it has an important social function and fosters feelings
of group identity and solidarity. It is the means by which culture and its
traditions and shared values may be conveyed and preserved.
"Language is fundamental to cultural identity. This is so
for people everywhere. For Bininj, their unique world is expressed in their
language. For this reason, it is important that people keep their own language
alive."
Kakadu National
Park, Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, NT
2.
What is culture?
The defining factors of a culture generally
are a unique or influenced food, art, religion, celebrations, language and even
just the way of life. One culture is usually made up of the average way of
living or they way that most people in one ethnic group live their lives.
3.
Look up the word intrinsic and write out a definition
Something intrinsic is a necessity.
For example a bowling ball for bowling is an intrinsic piece of equipment.
4.
How do shared values, customs and
histories shape culture?
You cant have a culture without a rich history, well formed customs and
values that allow lesser and higher people to communicate. (Political
Hierarchy)
5.
Why is language intrinsic to culture?
A cultures language defines a
cultures social structure, without a social structure a culture cannot sustain
itself. Language can be formed from religion, significant moments in history
and many other key events. A language shows the history of ones culture. For
example in Japan when the western civilization brought their ships over the
Japanese had to create a whole new alphabet just to add western words to their
vocabulary. It is events in history like this that define peoples lifestyles
and cultures.
Cultural and
linguistic diversity is a feature of most
nations today as people
from different groups live together as a consequence of historical events and
human migrations. Within multilingual societies, the maintenance of the
languages of the various ethnic and cultural groups is critical for the
preservation of cultural heritage and identity. The loss of language means the
loss of culture and identity. In many societies throughout history, the
suppression of the languages of minority groups has been used as a deliberate
policy in order to suppress those minority cultures. As a result a large number
of the world's languages have been lost with the processes of colonisation and
migration.
"As languages disappear, cultures die. The world becomes
inherently a less interesting place, but we also sacrifice raw knowledge and
the intellectual achievements of millennia."
Research:
1.
How many cultural groups have made Australia their home?
Hundreds of total minority groups have made Australia their home but
there are very large contenders for the English-Australian community including
Chinese at 7 per cent, Indians at 6 per cent, New Zealanders at 10 per cent and
the English-Australians at roughly 60 per cent. Because of our placement on the
map we have a large Southeast Asian community making us very multi-cultural.
2.
How many indigenous languages were there?
During the 18th century there were between 350 to 750 total
aboriginal languages actively spoken however at the start of the 21st
century there were less than 150 languages with 20 plus to be critically
endangered of never being spoken again.
3.
Why language skills are so important?
Above languages teaching us about
a cultures history they are very efficient at completing necessary tasks.
Language makes our government, social structure and culture possible. A good
culture has a very complex language; in the case of the English language it is
unnecessarily complex to the point of overused gramma and punctuation in
writing. But the English language it very good at letting us communicate simply
in light terms. Which is why it is the Global language.
Australia's cultural and
linguistic diversity
Australia
is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse nations in the world.
This diversity has always been embedded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander societies and has been broadened over the last two hundred years with
the arrival of people from over one hundred and fifty distinct cultures from
around the world.
4.
Why has diversity in
Australia broadened over the last 200 years?
Because we are
surrounded by one of the most cultural parts of the world (South-East Asia) we
take a lot of migrants. What accelerated the intake is the wealth that
Australia holds. Because of the migrants and the wealth we have an
ever-expanding multi cultural population that, as of now we cannot keep up
with.
While
English is the dominant language, many people speak a language other than
English as their first language within their families and communities. Over two
hundred languages other than English are spoken in Australia today. The
acquisition of proficiency in Standard Australian English, together with the
maintenance of community languages is therefore a significant issue in
Australia.
5.
How many languages are
spoken In Australia today?
Over
200 languages are spoken in Australia today. We would expect that to almost
double in the next hundred years if we continue at the same rate.
Proficiency
in English is critical for successful participation in Australian society and
for exchanging information about the values and perspectives of different
cultures. Similarly, proficiency in first language skills is essential for
self-enrichment and expression of identity.
In
large parts of Australia, the loss of a great number of Aboriginal languages means that for many Aboriginal people,
Aboriginal English is their first language and is a particular marker of
identity. Aboriginal English developed as a means of communication for
Aboriginal people between people of different language groups and with
non-Aboriginal people. Torres Strait Creole is similarly an important marker of
identity for Torres Strait Islander people and is used as a common language
among speakers of different Torres Strait languages. Both Aboriginal English
and Torres Strait Creole are spoken as a first or second language by many
Indigenous Australians.
6.
Why is language so
important in helping to establishing identity?
Just
by hearing someones voice you can establish their personality. Language shows a
greater understanding. It shows peoples history and experiences. We hear the
English language spoken every day so we do not think much of it. But if an
Indigenous language is spoken it has a tone to it that explains every tiny
detail about their culture. Language shows Culture and Culture shows identity.
It is essential to understand culture making it essential to understand
language and Identity.
The
maintenance of a community's first language is also a significant issue for
many people who belong to diverse ethnic communities whose members, or their ancestors, have migrated to
Australia. The use of community languages is important both for individual and
group identity and for communication across generations. In an increasingly
globalised world, linguistic skills strengthen international ties and foster cultural
exchange. Linguistic diversity makes Australia more competitive in trade and
strengthens its international standing.
7.
What is the argument for linguistic skills?
Linguistics
make countries and the world as a whole function. It helps countries and
regions to build relationships with others and fortifies things like trade and
cultural exchange.
Identity and community
"I have... come to the conclusion that my identity does not
have to be static. Sometimes, I feel Spanish and I like to identify with the
Spanish culture while at other times I choose to reinforce my German,
Irish-Anglo background. In many ways the two identities have become interwoven.
A part of me is expressed through speaking Spanish and singing Spanish songs
which is not expressed through speaking English or playing classical music...
each language I speak and each music tradition I engage in carries with it a
different world of meanings."
A
person's understanding of their own and others' cultural identity develops from
birth and is shaped by the values and attitudes prevalent at home and in the
surrounding community. This identity becomes more complex and fluid over time
as people develop allegiances to different groups within the broader society.
8.
How do we develop a sense
of cultural identity?
Based on peoples
backgrounds their cultural identity may be smaller or larger. Their identity
can be expressed though multiple forms, language, dance, singing, rituals or
just engaging in cultural activities. Peoples cultural identity show much more
than their physical identity making it harder to express their true culture.
At
the same time, cultures themselves are not static but develop and change as the
belief systems and ways of life of different groups adapt under other cultural
influences including mass media and popular culture to create new identities.
In a culturally diverse society like Australia, individuals may have multiple
identities through identification with several different sub-cultures. These
identities may include identity based on cultural heritage, family or
birthplace; religious or social identity; and identity as members of Australian
society.
9.
Why may people have
multiple identities in a culturally diverse country like Australia?
Because Australia is
very influenced by the larger western culture we take a lot of that in with the
consumption of our multicultural society. With these influences sub-cultures
are made that minority groups will follow. It’s with these sub-cultures that
people develop their identity out of their western culture and give them a
multi-cultural mind.
The
realisation that there are many Australian identities reinforces the need for
mutual understanding for achieving a racism-free community. Reconciliation, which aims to encourage co-operation and
improve relations between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and
the wider community, is critical in this process. The understanding of how
history has shaped our relationship with each other and respect for each
other's cultures are key components of the Reconciliation process.
10.
How can we achieve a
racism free community?
I don't personally
believe that racism can completely fade into the past. There will always be
some form of racism wether it is publicly expressed or not. That's like
saying can we have a crime free community? No, if that was achieved we would
have no need for laws. We can slowly reduce racism but no matter how hard we
try every attempt will stop and produce racist people and communities.
11.
What are the key
components of Reconciliation?
To form a less racist
community takes a true understanding of ones self and others. We have to
understand why we would be in a relationship with these people and that our
past selves were during a different time. We need to properly understand and
accept other peoples’ culture, history and life.
The
policy of multiculturalism is equally vital in achieving a cohesive Australian
nation. It recognises and
values Australia's cultural and linguistic diversity and accepts and respects
the right of all Australians to express and share their individual cultural
heritage within an overriding commitment to Australia.
The
mistrust and fear of difference, which often stem from isolation from other cultures,
can be overcome by fostering cultural understanding and by highlighting the
common interests that all Australians share. Working together, Australians can
achieve a more equal and fairer society that respects and values its diversity.
12.
Why is the policy of multiculturalism equally
important in achieving a cohesive Australia?
Multiculturalism shows and understands the values of linguistic
diversity and allows people from all different cultures to express their
heritage, beliefs and their commitment to Australia and its culture.
