Abstract The paper discusses how most nations offer their citizens the strength of their culturalheritage in a variety of ways. For example, in the United States, the country provides evidence of the founders who created a constitution and began a great democracy. In Russia, the history of the people can be expressed through the leaders of the country that challenged the existence of the people. In Mexico, people understand that their heritage exists in the culmination of societies that shaped the nation.
From the Paper "Yet, the Taiwanese people have been consistently plagued with the rule of other nations that attempted to abolish the Taiwanese culture. Historical Chinese rule at times attempted to change everything that the Taiwanese people could accept as their own, including their language, entertainment and educational systems."
Abstract This paper explains that only through interaction and collaboration among students, teachers, parents and community members will bi-cultural and bilingual students develop an identity and realize their true potential; therefore, schools that neglect to infuse curricula and educational environment with interactive and collaborative policies fail students and society. The author points out that the current number of bilingual programs available in the United Students serve a very small percentage of the actual number of bilingual students in need and these programs. The paper stresses that teachers must understand that a culturally diverse student base means that not all students have the same reference point when learning in the classroom because what is intuitive to one student may seem foreign to another depending on their culturalheritage.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Understanding Bilingual Education and ESL
Cognitive and Linguistic Development in Bi-cultural Students
Structuring Bilingual and ESL Classrooms to Enable Student Achievement
Cultural Conflict Students Face in Schools
Analysis
Conclusions
From the Paper "The manner in which adults and children interact are also different among various cultures. In most traditional U.S. classrooms for example, most teachers repeatedly ask questions of students to evaluate their achievement. This process may confuse bicultural students who grow up in a culture where adults only ask children questions when they don't know an answer themselves; students in this situation may not understand why a teacher would ask a question if they already had the answer causing a disruption in learning.Text organization also varies among cultures."
Abstract This paper explains that one's perceptions, understanding, and acceptance of other cultures is affected by one's own culturalheritage and that a better knowledge of cultural differences will help decrease the amount of bias and stereotyping that occurs in society.
From the Paper "Adolescence is not an easy time for youths who are going through physical, emotional and social changes. Young boys and girls are experiencing growth spurts and hormonal symptoms. Along with the latter, come the up and down mood swings. Socially, youth want to take on additional responsibilities but sometimes are not psychologically ready or are told by society they are not yet old enough. Parents, peers and others in the community can significantly influence adolescents as well. Likewise, cultural values and expectations can also have considerable impact. In a multicultural school, for example, middle and high school students may act differently depending on their cultural heritage. Important issues such as employment and vocational choices, course options, driving and transportation, sexual activity and intimacy, pregnancy or parenting, social esteem, and appearance can vary according to culture. This necessitates a clearer understanding of the perceptions and values of these other cultures. This will make the United States a richer country and "a more worthy society for all the nation's peoples""
Abstract This paper examines the attempts of Native-American Tribes to retain their culturalheritage despite many years of repression and attempts by the colonial majority to force its culture on them. The paper looks at the major means whereby Native Americans are trying to preserve and even spread their culture amongst the various groupings and tribes living today in the United State of America. The author then goes on to examine the historical background to the American Indian's cultural repression. He examines, in some depth, the rebirth of Native-American literature and oral history and its impact on the Native-American population and attempts to evaluate its success.
From the Paper "Individual Indians seek to define who they are through culture in varied ways, and are frequently challenged by distance. The revival of culture is centered around reservation life. Reservations schools attempt to transmit the traditions of the past, along with language through native reservation schools that teach language through a bilingual system or through submersion programs and yet many Native Americans live far from home and family, as a result of the pressures of modernization and the fact that economic and higher education opportunities are limited on many reservations. To many Indians it is a challenge to meet the goals of a highly connected social network of family and nation as distance creates change that challenges their ability to meld their historical culture with the white culture they frequently live within. Yet, it is also clear that individual definitions of self are strongly associated with family and cultural connections and traditions. It is for this reason that Native American creativity is expressed in novel ways through many avenues and medias as well as the reason why individual and collective vision become a constant recurring theme in many of these interpretations."
Tags: native americans, indians reservations history culture assimilation tradition
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that tourism is mainly based on geographical attractions, which include beautiful scenery, exciting and/or exotic locations, among others. The writer points out that the reasons for which people choose various tourist locations differ according to needs, preferences and affordability. The writer explains that heritage tourism is an example of tourist activity that allows people to enrich their basis of knowledge and information. Further, the writer notes that heritage tourism or cultural tourism is a branch of tourism offering the cultural dimension of the location where tourism occurs as the main value. Historical sites are usually the main attraction in this case. The writer discusses that the main coordinates of heritage tourism include culture, historic information, interaction with the local people and eventually, a perceived sense of adventure.
From the Paper "Heritage tourism or cultural tourism is a branch of tourism offering the cultural dimension of the location where tourism occurs as the main value. Historical sites are usually the main attraction in this case. The main coordinates of heritage tourism include culture, historic information, interaction with the local people and eventually, a perceived sense of adventure. Heritage tourism allows people to get in touch with the past. At the same time, it is important to mention that it contributes to the preservation of the cultural heritage itself."
"The products that heritage tourism offers can be customer oriented. From this point of view, one could speak about creative tourism. Creative tourism is based on the principle of interactivity."
Abstract In this article, the writer relates that the Puerto Rican people have a sense of their culturalheritage that sets them apart from other Latinos. One may hear the cultural music of Puerto Ricans, a style that the world has come to know as salsa. The writer notes that the notion of a pure Puerto Rican culture is an irony itself, however, and this can be understood from a brief consideration of salsa and its cultural representations and implications. The writer maintains that, as the music has become popular around the world, the move to bottle it and sell it has been carried out in much the same way that other colonialist movements have, with the United States recognizing a viable product to be mined in the minority culture and then sold to the world as a product for profit. The writer concludes that in this way salsa is not only characteristic of the relationship between the Puerto Rican people and the U.S., it is in some ways contributing to their ongoing exploitation.
From the Paper "It is, in other words, a beautiful mongrel mix of different cultural influences just as the Puerto Rican people themselves come from the intermixing of native Taino Indians, Spanish colonizers, and African slaves. The fact that it is in no way Puro Puerto Ricano makes it no less special or globally important. It simply is to acknowledge that it is through the stewing and brewing of cultural influences that both salsa music and Puerto Rican heritage gain their magic."
"Of course, salsa is not only important for what it says about Puerto Rican specialness. It is also important for what it says about everything in daily life of Puerto Ricans - from gender and class roles to fashion to politics."
Abstract Canada is internationally recognized as a culturally diverse nation that emphasizes the concept of "The Mosaic". No other country in the world encompasses inhabitants from so many different backgrounds who exhibit strong loyalty towards Canada, while still preserving their culturalheritage. This is contrasted to the American ideal of the "Melting Pot", which attempts to shape all of their citizens into a set mold. Canada's philosophy is believed to be more effective and respectful than that which is possessed by our American neighbours. The following discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, and analyzes the impact of the structures on each country's society.
From the Paper "Canada is world renown for being one of the most tolerant, welcoming, and democratic countries in the world - a dynamic mosaic of multiculturalism where people live and work together in harmony. Over the past 150 years, more than 14 million people have immigrated to Canada, with 16% of the 30 million citizens being first-generation immigrants. The Government of Canada is committed to a policy of diversity designed to preserve and enhance the multicultural heritage of Canadians, while striving to achieve equality in the economic, social, cultural and political aspects of Canada. In 1991, the Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship conducted a survey, which revealed high levels of Canadian values and identity. Six out of ten interviewees portrayed a "deep emotional attachment to Canada" and 95% believe they can be proud of being a citizen and of their ancestry simultaneously. As a nation, Canada is continually becoming more diverse in its practices, which requires residents to expand their knowledge and appreciate other cultures."
Abstract This paper explains that the term "Mexican-American" is used for the original inhabitants of the U.S.-acquired northern territories of Mexico; whereas, "Chicano", historically a derogatory term, is used for Mexicans who immigrated in the U.S. during the period of the 1930s and 1940s. The author points out that, historically, during the early period of conflict, while the "Mexican Americans" had already been assimilated into American society, establishing their social and economic status in the society, Chicanos were mainly "outcasts" in this country. The paper concludes that, today, the Chicano-Mexican society is, and will be, a balance between the traditional and modern cultures, creating a hybrid form of culture and society that is distinctly characteristic of their Mexican and American heritage.
From the Paper "As the Mexican society is gradually assimilated into the contemporary American society, its future can be traced or patterned right after the history of African Americans in the US. The emergence of the Mexican American and Chicano movements fighting for equality and recognition of their rights in the American society is reminiscent of the civil rights movement of the African Americans during the 1960s (in fact, Mexicans are also included in this protest movement, along with black Americans). In essence, Mexican society and culture of the present and for the future is described as ?people between cultures,? where ?? "culture in the borderlands"? "human cultures"? (metropolitan typifications) are neither necessarily coherent nor always homogeneous.""
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the book "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan. Specifically, the paper discusses how generational differences and cultural gaps between the mothers and daughters lead the characters to struggle between their heritage and individual identities. The paper relates that one of the main themes of the novel is the struggle between the mothers and daughters to understand each other. The new generation of immigrants does not understand their parents' ties to the past and their homeland, and the older generation does not understand their children's disinterest. The paper further relates that this struggle continues throughout the novel, and it indicates the cultural gaps that exist in many immigrant families today.
From the Paper "June and her mother were not the only estranged families in the book. She sees the same thing in the other women of the Joy Luck Club and their daughters. Tan states, "In me, they see their own daughters, just as ignorant, just as unmindful of all the truths and hopes they have brought to America" (Tan 51). The women are far removed from their Americanized daughters, and they know it. As June joins the Club, she fears that it will have no meaning in her life, and that the customs the women hang on to are old and outmoded. This indicates the vast gulf not only between most mothers and daughters, but the gulf between immigrants and their native born children. These children want to become Americanized and do not understand their elders interest in the past and their old culture, and it drives wedges between the children and parents that are often never overcome."
Abstract This paper looks at two short stories by writer Alice Walker: "Strong Horse Tea" and "The Revenge of Hannah Kemhuff". The author examines the writer's depiction of black women and their position in society and their responsibilities as women as part of the black heritage and tradition. The paper also analyzes the characters in the stories.
From the Paper "Alice Walker's stories in "In Love and Trouble: Stories of Black Women" provide us with glimpses into the nature of being black and female in America, into the ways in which black women make a success of their lives (or try to make a success of their lives) by drawing on not only their own personal pasts but also on an accumulated heritage of black female traditions and knowledge. This paper examines how Walker emphasizes the importance of black heritage to her characters in two of the short stories in this book, "Strong Horse Tea" and "The Revenge of Hannah Kemhuff".
Tags:culture, heritage, tradition, equality, opportunity, family, community
Abstract The paper explores whether documenting and researching Black-American history, especially individual family history, has an impact on Black-American students' attitude and behavior. The paper discusses the move away from an African-American identity to a distinctly Black-American identity. The paper relates that teaching the history and stories of Black-Americans has served to inspire and motivate Black-American students towards a more successful academic life. The paper concludes that Black-American students today are aware that their culturalheritage and tradition began in Africa, yet, informed with the stories of their past, their attitude is that they are predominantly Americans.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Family and Community History and Student Attitudes and Behavior
From the Paper "The history of Black Americans is one that began as slavery and oppression. It is only during the twenty years that Black Americans have had the full range of education, opportunity, and social equality to partake in the American dream. It was a long road to that point, and there remain challenges to be overcome, but the road towards overcoming those remaining challenges began with America's Civil War and freeing Black Americans from the condition of slavery. Many have traveled the road on behalf of equality and Civil Rights, and the challenges that remain today are the social and psychological barriers that prevent Black Americans from embracing the opportunities that were hard won on their behalf."
Abstract Although Italy is known for its rich culture specifically in the field of art and architecture, this paper discusses the culture of the country in terms of the peoples? language (the Italian language) and values and beliefs. Two important sociological and communicative values are used in analyzing the culture of Italy. The language of Italy is discussed and analyzed using the value of implicit/explicit- rule culture, while the values and norms in the society will be analyzed according to the value of uncertainty acceptance/ rejection.
From the Paper 'One of the rules followed in the Italian language is that whenever a sentence is constructed and has subjects in the plural form, the noun or adjective that follows or precedes the subject becomes masculine in form, if the subject (the group of people being talked about) contains one male member in it. Thus, the sentence, "Marta, Carol, e Mario sonno belli" (Marta, Carol, and, Mario are good/kind)? shows that the adjective "good/kind" (bello-M/singular, bella-F/singular, belli-M/plural) was transformed into the masculine and plural form of ?belli,? despite the major presence of Marta and Carol in the sentence (outnumbering Mario, a male, in the sentence in numbers). Thus, the rules of Italian language imply and suggest the sexist Italian society, wherein greater dependency and value to the male gender is emphasized. In fact, Italian greatly expresses the patriarchal society in Italy, evidently implied from the rules of language of Italy."
Abstract The paper studies the importance of teaching cultural diversity within an educational framework and learning about multiculturalism in American schools. The paper shows that diverse education ensures that schools should be familiarized with the cultural enrichment of all children via curriculum, affirming the preservation and extension of other cultural activities. The author of the paper provides pointers on what teachers should teach and how it should be taught.
From the Paper "In order to help student understand the cultural values of different student's teachers help them in a way that they may collect various magazines and newspapers catalogues, which represents different cultures. Classify students into several groups, in which every group receive different issues of the same publication. Instruct students to examine the periodicals and conclude which beliefs and values are conveyed."
Abstract . In order to be a success in the global economy while carrying out business either in Korea or with Korea, one must have a fair idea of what is Korean culture about, its make up and what significance the people of Korea place on its culturalheritage. Our paper will be based on the information regarding Korean culture and its effects on the business. Our proposition will be backed by peer reviewed articles and expertise of the people in the related field.
Abstract This paper looks at what the similarities and differences in contemporary Maya communities across the region reveal about systematic patterns of cultural continuity and change. Through a comparative study of Maya peoples in Mexico and Guatemala, the rich culturalheritage of the peoples who have contributed toward forming the societies of Latin America is shown. This essay creates a picture of the nascent states that would become Mexico and Guatemala through the influence of the Maya and the role they played in shaping the culture of these two countries.
From the Paper "The blending of many cultures, many peoples has resulted in wars, new bloodlines, mixed cultures and the complex society that is Latin America. The Mayas have forever left their mark on the area in terms of culinary flavor, art and culture, as well as lifestyle. Today, Latin America is a testament to the blending of various cultures. In the first millennium A.D. the Maya created the most intellectually and artistically advanced civilization native to the Americas, and in ensuing centuries, as neighboring empires fell in warfare and to the Spanish invasion, the Maya endured, shaken but never destroyed."
