SOC101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Linguistic Determinism, Odel, Nonverbal Communication

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC101
• Professor: Mike Holland

Document Summary

Culture is generally regarded as a complex collection of values, beliefs, behaviors, and material objects shared by a group and passed throughout generations. Culture is learned: as we grow up, we are constantly immersed in the cultural traditions of our parents, siblings, and peers. Everything from our language to our attitudes, values, and world views are learned. Culture is shared: culture develops as people interact and share experiences/meanings with others (e. g. cheering for home team, you share cultural experiences with others) Culture is transmitted: cultural beliefs and traditions must be passed from one generation to the next if it is to survive. Culture is cumulative: as members of each generation refine and modify their cultural beliefs to meet their changing needs, they build on the cultural foundation of their ancestors. Culture is human: animals are considered to be social but not cultural. Culture defines how, when, and why humans communicate with each other, and with whom.