CULTURAL IDENTITY: A DEFINITION

1
CULTURAL IDENTITY A DEFINITION
The term "culture" applies to the values,
beliefs, languages, arts and sciences,
traditions, institutions and way of life by
means of which individuals or groups express
the meanings they give to their life and
development.
Cultural references through which individuals or
groups define and express themselves and by
which they wish to be recognised cultural
identity embraces the liberties inherent to
human dignity and brings together, in a permanent
process, cultural diversity, the particular and
the universal, memory and aspiration. UNESCO
Declaration of Cultural Rights 1996
2
The New Zealand Perspective
'Culture' refers to the customs, practices,
languages, values and world views that define
social groups such as those based on ethnicity,
region, or common interests. Cultural identity
is important for people's sense of self and how
they relate to others. A strong cultural identity
can contribute to people's overall
wellbeing. Cultural identity is not exclusive.
People may identify themselves as New Zealanders
in some circumstances and as part of a
particular culture -Maori, Chinese or Scottish,
for example - in other circumstances. They may
also identify with more than one
culture. Ministry of social Development Social
Report 2003. http//socialreport.msd.govt.nz/2003/
cultural-identity/ cultural-identity.shtml