Culture A combination of socially learned traits that distinguish one group from another and can be passed on to future generations.

“ Other social animals develop local knowledge traditions that are passed among individuals across generations.” “Shared among individuals across generations, independently of genetic inheritance.”

“The main barrier to calling these examples culture is that the behaviors are transmitted by means other than human language.” How do other species learn? Observation Imitation Gesture Teaching- active and passive

“All modes of communication are tools for information transmission.” Animals don’t speak in words. They speak in other ways. Vocal tone and volume Body Language Posture Eye contact Stance Humans do these things, especially nonverbal humans. Does skill transmission through language count as a valid argument for culture?

Chimps 39 Behavioral Patterns identified Tool usage Grooming Courtship rituals Active teaching- mother turning a nut to a better angle for baby to crack easier Rain dances seen in Bugongo, Muhale, and Tai Forests Inspecting wounds, removing parasites, feeding patterns West Africa: primarily broke open nuts using rocks East Africa: primarily fished for termites using stick

But why do chimpanzees do these things? One explanation: To better adapt to their own environment EX: Eating foods that are locally available leads to different tools used

At this point….. Language (although limited), tool use, learned behaviors, social bonding experiences are all seen in other species. What’s left to define culture as a human experience?

Culture A combination of socially learned traits that distinguish one group from another and can be passed on to future generations.

A human’s experience today is significantly different than it was in the 1800s.

An American behaves significantly different than someone in a traditional society.

Cooperative Progress Social groups communicating not only for a common goal but for further advancement after the goal is reached. Looking towards the future Science & Technology Different cultures around the world vary at the rate that they progress. Not only does the rate of progress distinguish us from animals, but it distinguishes humans from each other. Some cultures are resistant to change, while others strive for it.

Tradition Definition: the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. Social norms Evolution of norms easily seen across generations Rituals Greetings to religious ceremonies Values and beliefs attached to these rituals in a very abstract/symbolic manner

Culture Although the debate is ongoing, one thing it for certain for defining culture. There is something that humans have that animals don’t have, and this same thing is what also separates humans from each other. Humans are capable of advancing as societies at faster rates than any other species. Humans are also able to think abstractly and to place symbolic value wherever we deem necessary. Human behavior is specifically defined by the culture group they are placed in.