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Cultural Context

Definition

Cultural context refers to the beliefs, values, customs, and social practices that shape the way people think, behave, and communicate within a particular society or group. It helps readers understand how cultural factors influence the meaning of texts.

Analogy

Cultural context is like wearing different colored glasses that affect how you perceive the world around you. Just as cultural context shapes our understanding of literature and language, these "glasses" filter our interpretation of reality based on our cultural background.

Related terms

Ethnocentrism: Ethnocentrism is the belief in the superiority of one's own culture over others. It can lead to biased interpretations and judgments when analyzing texts from different cultures.

Multiculturalism: Multiculturalism refers to recognizing and appreciating diverse cultures within a society. It emphasizes inclusivity and respect for different cultural perspectives.

Intercultural Communication: Intercultural communication involves interactions between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds. It requires understanding and adapting to differences in communication styles, norms, and values.