Cultural Similarities and Differences
Running head: CULTURE
Cultural Similarities and Differences
Brook Smith
Geography
21 March 2012
Introduction
Culture is the integrated system of socially acquired values, beliefs, and rules of conduct that delimit the range of accepted behaviors in any given society. Cultural differences distinguish societies from one another. Culture is the way of life of an entire people. This paper will address the similarities and differences of cultures in Texas, India, Australia, and Nigeria. It will address their language, religion, norms of behaviors, and business etiquettes
Languages
The Indian culture has different languages, which include Hindi, Bengali, and Urdu. The officially recognized language is Hindi with other local languages not recognized by the central government. Texans officially use American English with various variations and accents. Australian languages include Australian slang, indigenous Australian languages, and variations of Australian English (Dalby, 1998). Nigeria has over 50 indigenous languages with very many local dialects. The predominant languages are Yoruba, Ibo, Afro –Asiatic and Kanuri. The official language is English and is used across all states to unite the people. Except India, the other three countries share a similar language (i.e. English) though it has small variations in accent and pronunciation.
Family Systems
Indians maintain close personal ties with their families including the extended family members. Family relationships are hierarchical and the father is the patriarchal leader of the family. All members have mutual obligations to their families and they maintain deep rooted trust among all relatives (Makar, 2008). Nigerians maintain an extended family system with relationships guided by hierarchy and seniority. Individuals are obliged to give the extended family members financial assistance and guidance (Kwintessential, n.d). The American family unit is nuclear with the extended family living away from it.
Cultural Similarities and Differences
Brook Smith
Geography
21 March 2012
Introduction
Culture is the integrated system of socially acquired values, beliefs, and rules of conduct that delimit the range of accepted behaviors in any given society. Cultural differences distinguish societies from one another. Culture is the way of life of an entire people. This paper will address the similarities and differences of cultures in Texas, India, Australia, and Nigeria. It will address their language, religion, norms of behaviors, and business etiquettes
Languages
The Indian culture has different languages, which include Hindi, Bengali, and Urdu. The officially recognized language is Hindi with other local languages not recognized by the central government. Texans officially use American English with various variations and accents. Australian languages include Australian slang, indigenous Australian languages, and variations of Australian English (Dalby, 1998). Nigeria has over 50 indigenous languages with very many local dialects. The predominant languages are Yoruba, Ibo, Afro –Asiatic and Kanuri. The official language is English and is used across all states to unite the people. Except India, the other three countries share a similar language (i.e. English) though it has small variations in accent and pronunciation.
Family Systems
Indians maintain close personal ties with their families including the extended family members. Family relationships are hierarchical and the father is the patriarchal leader of the family. All members have mutual obligations to their families and they maintain deep rooted trust among all relatives (Makar, 2008). Nigerians maintain an extended family system with relationships guided by hierarchy and seniority. Individuals are obliged to give the extended family members financial assistance and guidance (Kwintessential, n.d). The American family unit is nuclear with the extended family living away from it.