Languages Culture example essay topic

I am a part of a group within my society. This group came easy to me because my father and my peers are a part of it as well. What is more is that the physical location of where I live plays a huge role as to why so many people claim themselves to be members of this subculture. Many of our norms, values, and beliefs are shaped by the source of this culture. I am talking about the Surfer subculture and the ocean as its starting field. Many people will claim that Santa Barbara is a "surfer community" which would lead to similar values and norms; however, not everyone is a part of this "surfer community".

There are certain criterion that serves as an invitation into this culture, one must is that you must surf. Without this you are looked down upon as a "poser" or someone trying to pretend to be what they are not. This is just one of the things that come out of my mind as a member from which I have learned first hand through socialization and through cauterization's. I am shaped by my culture. Culture is sharing the same. ".. language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and even material objects that are passed from one generation to the next (Henslin 2002, p. 36)". Language is a tool that humans use to communicate with one another, whether is be to explain where to meet or to express how someone feels, like love.

Language, although used by most, is specific to each culture. There are different languages for example, and if you speak that specific language, then you already belong to that languages culture: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, And Japanese are a few. However languages can also consist of a sub-language or many different lingo's or slang words within the dominant language. Another aspect that a group or sub culture may share is behaviors. Behaviors, like languages are learned as well.

Behaviors are the physical actions as well as the hidden actions (such as facial expressions) that a group shares. Behaviors are usually learned through the family at home (through socialization) and as you grow, learn and change groups, they will change accordingly with that specific group. For example you may learn at home that being quiet is the only way to act as, say a female, however, you may enter a group where you are required to participate in conversations and activities. It is possible to adapt to both behaviors, and more. The biggest influences on this group are the material objects or things that make up the material culture-.".. such things as jewelry, art, buildings, weapons, machines, and even eating utensils, hairstyles, clothing...

(Henslin 2002, p. 36)". These things make it easy to identify someone who is in the group, without speaking a word. It is these outside things that point out who you can identify with, once that is known the roots are examined through language, such as the norms, values, and beliefs. These concepts lie within the individual of the subculture, and intermingle with one another. Norms are your expectations of the group.