Welcome to the Cultural Anthropology Lab. In this lesson, you will examine how different cultures create and maintain norms—the invisible rules that guide behavior, shape expectations, and influence daily life. Whether it’s how we greet each other, what we eat, or how we express respect, cultural traditions and customs vary significantly around the world. These differences are not just interesting—they are crucial to understanding global communication, avoiding misunderstandings, and building cross-cultural competence.
As you progress through this lesson, you will be introduced to key vocabulary and grammatical structures that help you describe and compare cultural norms. You will explore real-world examples, reflect on your own cultural experiences, and practice expressing your ideas clearly and thoughtfully.
Vocabulary
The following words are central to the topic of cultural norms. You will see them throughout the lesson and are encouraged to use them in your writing and speaking tasks.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Norm | An accepted standard or way of behaving in a society. | In Japan, remaining silent on public transportation is a cultural norm. |
| Tradition | A long-established custom or belief passed down through generations. | The Lunar New Year is an important tradition in many Asian cultures. |
| Value | A principle or belief that a person or society considers important. | Independence is a value often emphasized in Western societies. |
| Taboo | A behavior or topic that is strongly discouraged or forbidden by a culture. | Speaking openly about death may be considered a taboo in some cultures. |
| Etiquette | The customary code of polite behavior in a society. | In many cultures, proper table etiquette includes keeping your elbows off the table. |
| Custom | A common way of doing something in a particular society. | Removing your shoes before entering a home is a custom in many countries. |
| Hierarchy | A system in which people or groups are ranked according to status or authority. | In some traditional companies, strict hierarchy affects how employees communicate. |
Grammar
To compare and contrast cultural behaviors, we use comparative structures and contrastive linking words. These help us clearly describe how two practices are similar or different.
Comparatives and Contrastive Structures
Comparatives highlight differences in degree or extent. For example: “People in Italy are more expressive than those in Finland when greeting strangers.”
Contrastive linkers show opposing ideas. Consider these examples:
While punctuality is crucial in Germany, it is more flexible in Argentina.
Unlike American classrooms, Japanese schools require students to clean the school themselves.
Whereas individualism is a strong value in Canada, collectivism is more common in South Korea.
Be sure to use parallel grammar when creating contrast: “Whereas people in the UK shake hands, in Thailand, they place their hands together in a wai.”
Reading
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