CULTURE CULTURE

What is so American about America? Take a few minutes and reflect on that statement. Then write down three aspects of American culture.

WHAT IS IT???? CULTURE- The shared attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors of a group. It is the total way of life held in common by a specific group of people. Describe some aspects of other cultures besides our own (i.e.: Italians eat pasta and pizza).

Elements of culture Include… Religion Language Clothing Foods Holidays Economy Main economic activities Housing Sports Entertainment Government

Ethnic Groups An ETHNIC GROUP is a group that shares a language, customs, and a common heritage. of some of the different ethnic groups that we have here in the United States. Think Middle eastern Americans INdian Americans Mexican Americans Asian Americans African Americans

?How does religion effect people’s beliefs and values? Religions Religion is an organized system of beliefs and practices, often centered on one or more gods. ?How does religion effect people’s beliefs and values? traditions Holidays they celebrate Foods they can/cannot eat The way they dress

! English is the most widespread language in the world. Language is the human communication, either written, spoken, or signed (such as American Sign Language). ! There are believed to be between 3000 and 6500 languages in the world today. ! English is the most widespread language in the world.

Cultural diffusion Diffusion is the spread of ideas, inventions, and patterns of behavior from one group to another. Why do people in Brazil speak Portuguese when every other country in South America speaks Spanish? How has American culture impacted other countries in the world? Having many cultures interacting can lead to new ideas and innovations. However, how can cultures interacting also have a negative impact?

Aspects of Other Cultures in America? How is the United States a “melting pot” of many different cultures? Think of Three examples of foreign influence on our “American” culture.