- The concept of shared culture is that which members of the same group or society share in a common cultural heritage. It helps create an identity and a sense belonging.
- Learning: Culture can be learned by socialization or education. It’s passed on from generation to generation.
- Symbolic: In order to express culture, symbols such as music, language and art convey meanings and messages.
- Dynamic: As new technologies and ideas emerge, culture is constantly changing and becoming more dynamic.
- Adaptive: Cultural adaptation helps societies and individuals adapt to new circumstances such as changes in the environment, economic shifts, or social upheavals.
- Integrated: A culture is an interconnected system that includes many parts working together to create a coherent whole. Language, beliefs, values and behaviors are all part of this integrated system.
- Patterned: Cultural patterns are shared expectations and norms that guide social interaction and behavior.
This understanding of cultural characteristics will help societies and individuals to appreciate and respect culture and foster cross-cultural understanding.