What is culture? Pronunciation and usage in English

culture means . Learn how to pronounce and use culture through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of culture

culturenoun

/ˈkʌltʃə/
Definition & pronunciation of culture

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "culture" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈkʌltʃər/ (This is the American English pronunciation)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "kul-" (kuh-luh): This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "cool" but with a shorter, softer "oo" sound. Think of the "u" in "cut". Don't say "cul" like "rule."

  2. "-ture" (chur): This sounds like "chair" but with a "ch" sound at the beginning. It's a short "uh" sound.

Putting it together: kuh-luh-chur

Here are some resources to hear it pronounced:

Important Notes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "u" in "cool": It's a subtle sound.
  • The "ch" in "-ture" is clear: Don't mush it up with the "t" sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using the word “culture”?
  • Compare the pronunciation to other languages?

Usage and examples with the word culture in English

Let's break down how to use the word "culture" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a wide range of meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Culture as a Shared Way of Life (Most Common Usage)

  • Definition: This is the most common understanding of "culture." It refers to the shared beliefs, values, practices, behaviors, and material objects that characterize a group of people – a society, ethnicity, organization, or even a subculture.
  • Examples:
    • "Japanese culture is known for its respect for elders and tradition."
    • "The music scene in Austin, Texas, has a vibrant and unique culture."
    • "She's embraced a minimalist culture in her home."
    • "Understanding different cultures is crucial for effective communication."
  • Key Phrases:
    • “A part of…” (e.g., "a part of their culture")
    • “Cultural norms” (things people usually do or believe)
    • “Cultural values” (what a group considers important)

2. Culture as Art & Entertainment

  • Definition: When talking about art, music, literature, theatre, and other forms of creative expression.
  • Examples:
    • “The museum has a rich culture of modern art.”
    • “He’s developing a strong culture around his band’s live performances.”
    • “The film festival showcases a diverse culture of international cinema.”
  • Note: This usage is often intertwined with the first definition (shared way of life), as artistic expressions reflect and shape a culture.

3. Culture as a System of Beliefs (Often Religious)

  • Definition: Refers to a set of religious or philosophical beliefs and practices.
  • Examples:
    • “The culture of Hinduism is deeply rooted in its ancient scriptures.”
    • “He was raised in a culture that emphasized pacifism.”
  • Note: This is often used in academic or formal contexts.

4. Culture as a Group of People (Ethnic or National)

  • Definition: Referring to a specific ethnic or national group. Be cautious with this usage – it can sometimes be considered outdated or even problematic if not used thoughtfully. While technically correct, it can imply a fixed and homogenous identity.
  • Examples (Use with care and awareness):
    • "The culture of the Maasai people is still very traditional." (This is acceptable when describing specific practices and traditions)
    • "He’s researching the culture of Ireland." (This is acceptable when talking about their history and traditions).
  • Better alternatives: Often, it’s more precise to talk about a people or a community and then describe their customs and traditions, rather than just labeling them as “a culture.”

5. Culture as a Developed Atmosphere or Character (Informal)

  • Definition: This usage often refers to the atmosphere or character of a place, often within an organization or workplace.
  • Examples:
    • "The company has a strong ‘culture of innovation’." (meaning they encourage new ideas)
    • “There was a negative culture in the office, filled with gossip and backstabbing.”

Tips for Using “Culture” Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "culture" depends heavily on the context.
  • Be Specific: Instead of saying “their culture,” try to describe what aspects of their culture you’re referring to (e.g., "their traditions," "their values," "their artistic expressions").
  • Avoid Essentialism: Be mindful of the potential for essentializing groups of people when using "culture" to refer to a group of people. Focus on specific customs, behaviors, and beliefs, rather than treating a group as a monolithic entity.
  • Use a Thesaurus: If you're unsure, a thesaurus can help you find more precise words like tradition, customs, practices, heritage, way of life.

Resources for Further Exploration:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say when you want to use the word "culture"? (e.g., a school essay, a social media post, a business report?)

Synonyms for the word culture

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