Introduction
The word culture has been commonly used in the current society. However, it is worth noting its true definition. Biagetti & Lugli (2014) asserts that if one made an inquiry of its meaning from anthropologists whose sole responsibility is studying culture, then it is common knowledge that he would receive a variety of answers from them. Despite the different definitions, most of them put emphasis on same aspects. For this discussion, therefore, the definition of culture will be given. Also, the article will provide its five primary characteristics, and the overview of the physical geography, military conflict and its impact on Turkish society.
Meaning of culture
For this particular article, the definition of culture that will be used is that it is a complex whole that makes up the society. The definition includes all the elements responsible for giving the community its identity. Some of these elements encompass beliefs, art, laws, languages, customs, knowledge, and norms e.tc. Cultures represent the totality associated with the human experience that is gained when transmitting one’s heritage across the populations. The importance exuded by culture makes it become the nerve of any society and which in its absence, the existence of man may never be possible. It is the primary differentiating factor between humankind and animals. All the behaviors, as well as, ways of man make up culture.
The definition above on complex whole was put forward by Taylor in 1871. However, a definition that is more modern is that it is a shared and also socially transferred ideas and perceptions in the society. These concepts are utilized in making a great sense of experience while also generating behaviors and reflecting on them. All cultures thus have the task of catering for the physical, emotional and also the social needs of the members of the society. It also assists in conflict resolution and promoting the survival of these members.
Five major characteristics of culture
1. Culture is learned- this means that culture is not by any means acquired biologically or through inheritance. The learning of culture takes place unconsciously from peers, media, family and institutions. In fact, when one is born, he does not automatically comprehend the values, norms and even customs of his community. Human beings, however, acquire culture through their associations with others.
2. Culture is shared- since culture is shared with other people in the same group, our actions are often aligned to the socially acceptable ways as we are also capable of predicting the ways that other individuals will act. However, even though it is shared, it does not mean that it is homogenous. There may exist some aspects within that culture that are common but not similar for all parties.
3. Culture is integrated- this affirms the interconnection of different parts of culture. Every aspect of culture has a relationship with another and as such, to completely comprehend culture, it is necessary learning all the parts and not just a few. For example, value systems in different societies have a link with morality, religion and also customs.
4. Culture is dynamic- the meaning of this is that culture is interactive and constantly changing. Since several cultures are often in contact with others, their ideas, as well as, symbols are bound to be exchanged. Every culture changes, otherwise, it would be a great challenge adapting to the consistently changing environment. Also, since there is an integration of cultures, a change in a single component necessitates a change in the whole system for adaptive purposes.
5. Culture is symbolic- a thing that represents another thing is referred to as a symbol. They vary broadly and arbitrarily in any culture. Their meanings will only come out when members of a particular culture have consented to their use. Examples of symbols magnificent in a culture encompass language and art.
Common culture characteristics
1. Rites of initiation- McLean & Moman (2013) mentions that for one to become a new member of a particular culture, there is always a ritual to be undertaken. The rites of initiation are responsible for marking the passages of a person in the community. In most cases, the new member begins his association as a nonentity and an unaffiliated individual who does not have any connection with this community. However, with time, he becomes a full member even rising in terms of influence, as well as, responsibility.
2. Similar history and traditions- the history and traditions of any culture are formed through the continuous growth and expansion of the stories that are told and consistently retold for purposes of educating them on the new ways. The history has a strong influence on the present occurrences.
3. Similar values and principles- every culture has values and principles which are common and are thus shared from the older generations to the much younger ones. The time and commitment towards these values and principles is associated with the understanding that every member of the culture gives them.
4. Similar purpose and mission- the similar purpose and mission shared by cultures are responsible for giving the reasons and goals for practicing this culture. The members are thus often expected that they will share these purposes and missions and consequently realize them as depicted by their actions.
Overview of physical geography, military conflict, and impact in the society
A topographic examination of Turkey points out to the fact that the country is comparatively higher in regards to its neighbors. It is found in both Asia and Europe. Its neighbors encompass Iraq, Syria, Iran, Greece and Azerbaijan. Turkey has an entirely varied relief responsible for the diversity of the climates it experiences. The center of the country is made of a treeless plateau surrounded by mountains. It is also surrounded by seas namely the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.
There has been an increased conflict between the Kurdish insurgents and the country’s military. This followed the failure of a two-year process of achieving peace in the countries. The failure stemmed from the increasing tensions that have been witnessed along the Syrian borders through the high influx of refugees coming into Turkey (Orhan, 2014, p. 33). The conflict has massively impacted this society because of the destabilizations that have been caused. Provision of services has been massively affected. The refugees have put a strain on the available services. The levels of education in the country have also been affected. It is because the conflict interferes with the uptake of knowledge and sometimes even driving school going people away.
Conclusion
The article above has discussed the concept of culture. It has mentioned its five primary characteristics encompassing the concepts of learning, sharing, integration, dynamism and symbolism. Besides, common features of culture have been put into perspective. The similar aspects here encompass purpose and mission, values and principles, rites of initiation, and history and traditions. The last issue that has been discussed encompass the overview of the physical geography, military conflict and its impact on the Turkish society.
References
McLean, S. & Moman, M. (2013). 18.3 Common Cultural Characteristics. In Communication for Business Success (Canadian Edition) (1st Ed.). America: Allyn & Bacon. Retrieved from http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/communication-for-business-success-canadian-edition/s22-03-common-cultural-characteristic.html
Biagetti, S. & Lugli, F. (2014). The intangible elements of culture in ethnoarchaeological research (1st ed., p. 233). New York: Green fields publishing.
Orhan, M. (2014). Trans border violence: the PKK in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict, 7(1), 30-48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17467586.2014.909946
