EFFECTS OF CULTURE-CONTACT ON THE CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN LIFE
Leading issues in General Studies: Humanities & Social Sciences, (Book of Reading for General Studies), 2001. EFFECTS OF CULTURE-CONTACT ON THE CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN LIFE
INTRODUCTION
This Chapter attempts the review of various definitions of Culture. It also tries to bring out the common characteristics of culture in various definitions, which include being dynamic and transmittable from generation to generation. Factors that can influence culture in a particular society and how people can come into contact with the culture of another society are also highlighted. Some aspects of the Nigerian cultural heritage were discussed while the problems of neglect of our culture, looking down on some aspects of our culture while paying more attention to other people 's cultural heritage are also discussed. Recommendations on how to preserve our cultural heritage are made to both individuals and the Nigerian Government.
DEFINITION OF CULTURE
The word culture has various definitions. Different writers attach different meanings to it. Humanists, Sociologists and Anthropologists have different meanings to the concept of culture according to their orientations. Culture according to Ekeh (1989) is a "construct (with diverse applications).used in an attempt to analyze and interpret events and ideas in a broad spectrum of areas of society". In its broadest sense, culture embraces the total repertoire of human actions which are socially transmitted from generation to generation.
One of the foremost anthropologists that ever lived, Tyler (1871) defined culture as a configuration of institutions and modes of life. He defined culture as 'that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as member of society. Mussen.(1963), on his own defined culture in terms of reservoir of knowledge that is characteristic ways of thinking and feeling, attitudes, aspirations and ideals.
Foster (1962)
INTRODUCTION
This Chapter attempts the review of various definitions of Culture. It also tries to bring out the common characteristics of culture in various definitions, which include being dynamic and transmittable from generation to generation. Factors that can influence culture in a particular society and how people can come into contact with the culture of another society are also highlighted. Some aspects of the Nigerian cultural heritage were discussed while the problems of neglect of our culture, looking down on some aspects of our culture while paying more attention to other people 's cultural heritage are also discussed. Recommendations on how to preserve our cultural heritage are made to both individuals and the Nigerian Government.
DEFINITION OF CULTURE
The word culture has various definitions. Different writers attach different meanings to it. Humanists, Sociologists and Anthropologists have different meanings to the concept of culture according to their orientations. Culture according to Ekeh (1989) is a "construct (with diverse applications).used in an attempt to analyze and interpret events and ideas in a broad spectrum of areas of society". In its broadest sense, culture embraces the total repertoire of human actions which are socially transmitted from generation to generation.
One of the foremost anthropologists that ever lived, Tyler (1871) defined culture as a configuration of institutions and modes of life. He defined culture as 'that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as member of society. Mussen.(1963), on his own defined culture in terms of reservoir of knowledge that is characteristic ways of thinking and feeling, attitudes, aspirations and ideals.
Foster (1962)
References: Aberle, D. F. (1990). ' 'The functional prerequisites of a society '" in Ethics. Comparative Education Study and Adaptation Centre (1980). Social Studies 1 & 2: Lagos: Academy Press; Elkeh, V Foster, G. M. (1962). Traditional Cultures and the Impact of Technological Change. New York: Harper and Row Marvin, Harris (. '969) Mussen P. H. (1903). The psychologicall Development of the Child. New Jersey Ogundele,Ade (I987) Integrated Social Studies