Be an anthropologist 2

Running Head: BE AN ANTHROPOLOGIST 2

Running Head: Be an Anthropologist 2

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Introduction

The aspect of culture is one that is usually reflected on as its importance is quite evident. The sense of belonging is the main concept gained from the importance of culture as it reflects on an individual’s background and may be shed light on his future as well. The society helps shape the culture of different individuals and the values gained from one’s culture are observed for a very long time and are passed on from one generation to the next (Wittqenstein, 1984). The fact that human beings have cultural values, sets them apart form other species.  This is mainly attributed to the fact hat developing and maintaining cultural values has turned out to be an advantage in that it has allowed humans to enter almost every niche in nature. This paper discusses various observations revolving around culture after certain observations were made.

The observation is conducted on Muslim family living in the United States.  The family has been residing in the U.S for a period ten years and one of their two children was born in the country.  However, the rest of the family especially the parents have lived their lives in Saudi Arabia. Looking at the two countries, there is the conflict of interests when it comes to cultural values. The Arab culture is known to maintain their cultural values quite closely and the Western cultures are said to be taking over other cultures.

Family

The family of four maintains a closeness that is quite unique but very common in the Arabic culture.  The family ties they have are quite important as they guide one on how to conduct themselves and their families in the future. As much their family resides here, they still keep close contact with their other family in Saudi Arabia. How the family addresses each other with respect is evident in their speech and actions.

Lifestyle

The lifestyle that the family portrays is quite connected to their culture. Observing their dress code is quite interesting as the mother dresses in an Arabic manner wears clothes that cover their bodies as exposure is forbidden. The father also observes the same dressing code.  However, one can easily notice that the children do not adhere to the same code of dressing. This may be attributed to the fact that the children have grown up being influenced by the western culture either at school or other social places. However one can easily notice that being in a different location does not affect the parents since they have embraced their culture for quite a long time and changing would be very difficult (Lin & Kinzer, 2003).

Language

The language being used in the house is the cultural language and the children are using it as well. This shows that language plays a big role in the culture of the family and forgetting it would be quite difficult for the parents as they have spoken it all their lives one is keen to discover that the parents have brought up their children within their culture as they are able to understand the language and respond to it as well. However, he children have also learnt the English language and use it quite properly when addressing their peers.

The level of communication in the family is quite high as the parents are quite involved in their children’s lives as they try to mould them according to their culture.  In their communication the level of respect is evident as well as the children respond to the parents with respect (Lin & Kinzer, 2003).  This is evident in their tone of voice and their gestures as well.  Respect plays an important role in the values of the Arab culture and the fact that it is evident in the children shows the parents have focused on instilling cultural values in the children’s lives.

Conclusion

Cultural values are very important and they are transferred from one generation to the next as seen in the observation conducted. One does not have to live in a particular place to know that culture is important to them but one can easily observe the behavioral aspect and make conclusions. Therefore, culture defines every individual and moulds their future as well.

Reference List

Lin, X. & Kinzer, C. (2003). The importance of technology for making cultural values     visible. Retrieved 10 November 2010, from            http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NQM/is_3_42/ai_108442651/  

Wittqenstein, L. (1984). Culture and value. Chicago: University of Chicago Press