Abstract When people think of the Humanoid genus, Homo Sapiens neanderthalensis (HSN), they picture a very primitive creature, simplistic in nature, with few social complexities.This paper explains that, upon close examination of several Neanderthan archaeological sites, one will find the Neanderthal man had all of the necessary elements for the beginning of the formation of modern society. It was once thought that these elements were only present in Neanderthan culture after contact with Home Sapiens sapiens (HSS). However, evidence now exists that suggests that Neanderthals were already well on their way to developing a formal, but rudimentary, culture well before contact with HSS. This research examines these findings using evidence gathered from the Petralona, Larga Velhol, St. Cesaire, Shanidar, and Arago sites. This research supports the thesis that Neanderthals had the beginnings of an advanced society prior to contact with Home Sapiens sapiens and that the disappearance of the Neanderthan culture was a result of the intermixing of HSN species with HSS species.
From the Paper "The use of language by Neanderthal man has been as issue of contention since the first discoveries of the culture. Some archeologists paint the picture of Neanderthal man as a highly advanced mammal with little or no language capability. However, this is inconsistent with other findings. One of the keys to deciphering these arguments is to be careful in the definition of language. There are many aspects to the term "language". One might consider language to consist of a series of non-verbal cues and sounds that to modern man would not seem like a language, as we know it today. The silver-backed gorilla and chimpanzee have been found to have an advanced language of this type and have even been able to learn out language by way of sign language in some cases. Neanderthal man was more advanced in other areas than these other primates in tool usage and manufacture, and other areas of advanced culture. It would stand to reason then, that they had a language, at least as advanced as that of the more advanced primates of today. Perhaps the language of today's advanced primates is more complex than we are aware and it is simply a case of us not being able to understand or to pick up on subtleties known only to native speakers. Let us now examine the evidence."
Abstract This paper argues that Neanderthal man is related to modern humans by looking at elements of the Neanderthal physiology, behavior and cultural life. It shows how, allowing for the effects of a harsh, cold climate, Neanderthal physiology is remarkably similar to that of Homo Sapiens and how like modern humans, Neanderthals developed tools and had a capacity for language. Neanderthals also buried their dead, created artwork, had a concept of an afterlife and had a societal structure with strong social ties.
From the Paper "Recent findings on the mitochondrial DNA taken from the right humerus of a Neanderthal skeleton failed to show significant similarities with the mitochondrial DNA of modern humans. According to the study, one sequence of Neanderthal DNA differs drastically from the same stretch of modern human DNA -- about half as much as today's humans differ from chimps. Disparities that large, the researchers conclude, suggest that about 600,000 years ago, Neanderthals branched out into their own evolutionary line. This line was distinct from the line that eventually would become today's Homo sapiens (Suplee A1). Neanderthals were too genetically different from modern man and should thus be classified homo neandertalis."
Tags: dna, skeleton, physiology, culture, homo, sapiens, language
A discussion of new isotopic evidence along with other new data which is leading the way in painting a new picture of the Neanderthal man and his subsistence patterns.
Abstract This paper presents detailed descriptions of previous evidence and theory for neanderthal subsistence pattern of a scavenger plus an attempt to topple that theory in light of the new evidence at hand. This new evidence includes isotopic data that suggest a meat only diet and other studies that suggest wide spread active hunting through wear patterns on tools. These point to a subsistence pattern of a top level predator not that of a lowly scavenger.
From the Paper "Of any ancient fossil hominid it's a hands down, no contest winner for the prize of best known and understood1. Say "Neanderthal", and archaeologist and laymen alike would not have to work hard to conjure up the classical short stocky body frame, the indicative brow ridge and the protruding facial features of the Neanderthal people. But it is not all that simple, while we may have a plethora of faunal and lithic remains including those of the skeleton, the pictures of life style, diet, culture, and land use for example that these paint are not as complete as one might think. Often times the pictures one can paint from these remains are very cloudy take Neanderthal subsistence patterns and diet for instance. Neanderthal subsistence has been under heated controversy from its infancy. The two camps have their talons well immersed in the flesh of the faunal and lithic fossil records. The prevailing theory has been that Neanderthal subsistence and acquisition of foodstuffs as primarily a scavenging life style. However, in light of recent discoveries and new isotopic analysis a review of the lithic and faunal evidence is necessary and many are revising their previous theories. The picture is dramatically changing, isotopic data along with Neanderthal contemporaries at the KRM site in Africa are providing archaeologists with a picture of an organized people who were at the top of their environments trophic pyramid. Recent research on hominid strategies for meat procurement has focused on the interpretations of bones recovered from archaeological sites. Binford's 1984 analysis of faunal collections from Middle Stone Age deposits of the Klasies River Mouth Cave in South Africa identified carnivore activity and hominid scavenging of carnivore kills as major sources of the large mammal remains at the early Late Pleistocene site. From the skeletal parts represented and patterns of cut-marks on the bones, Binford concluded, "in short, there is nothing in the data from Klasies River Mouth to suggest technologically-aided hunting, or even tactical hunting, as such" (1984). Although this interpretation of the Klasies River Mouth fauna is disputed by Klein (1986), Binford's conclusion has been extended to the whole of hominid subsistence prior to the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition of the Late Pleistocene (Binford 1984). For the sake of argument and our purpose of substantiating Neanderthals as top-level hunters, Binford's extension will serve to illustrate the faunal evidence for scavenging vs. hunting."
Abstract This paper discusses how it is widely hypothesized that the Neanderthal or archaic Homo sapiens' abrupt disappearance and the sudden appearance of Modern Homo sapiens is due to violent competition with this or other related populations. It looks at how there are other documented theories that are seemingly more popular and provides an overview of the leading theories and identifies that racism may play a role in how data is interpreted.
From the Paper "It is widely hypothesized that the Neanderthal or archaic Homo sapiens' abrupt disappearance and the sudden appearance of Modern Homo sapiens is due to violent competition with this or other related populations (Cro-Magnon man para. 1). However, there are other documented theories that are seemingly more popular including that Neanderthals starved to extinction; that they did not evolve technologically or socially and therefore could not compete for food; and interbreeding resulted in their traits disappearing (Seebach para. 7). To date, scientists are divided on these leading theories and to make matters more complex, are still acknowledging racial biases and the affect this has had on the collection of data and development of theory (Cartmill para. 23). "
Abstract This paper examines human culture and how intelligence is determined by biological factors. The author discusses the origins of the human brain, and how it evolved into a tool of intelligence more than two million years ago, and how societal cultures are learned and shared.
From the Paper "According to Wolpoff, ?while a human culture cannot be linked to a particular biology, or vice versa, for humans culture is biology.? Wolpoff, 1999, p.164. This statement means that development of a culture is dependent on biologically determined factors. The most important reason for the development of culture is adaptation for survival under changing environment, which in turn requires, on the one hand, natural selection, and on the other making choices, rather than merely acting on instinct. Intelligence, needed for the purpose of making choices has been the product of biological factors. It should be noted that even though some animals such as wild dogs also live in societies, only humans have developed culture. Culture developed side by side with the evolution of certain physical features in the human species, Homo sapiens that made intelligence possible."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the manner in which various values and cultural traditions can impact an individual's or group's beliefs, attitudes and actions with respect to their day-to-day existence. The writer contends and explains how cultural differences affect communication, interaction and actions amongst different people. In an environment where little cultural diversity exists, it is likely that cultural differences will have little or no impact on human relations. This paper also discusses the issue of cultural differences in the workplace. Cultural diversity can lead to conflict as well as collaboration within the workplace, depending on whether or not people are willing to embrace people that are culturally different. This paper examines the impact of cultural diversity in the classroom, where teachers are being asked to become more culturally literate so that they can better address the needs of all their students, rather than the few who fall into one or two categories. This paper also explores the issue of students with varying cultural backgrounds that have different perceptions of learning and communicating and the manner in which their needs are met.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Analysis of Cultural Traditions and Human Relations
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "Cultural differences even impact students in the classroom. More and more teachers are being asked to become more culturally literate so that they can better address the needs of all their students, rather than the few who fall into one or two categories. Students with varying cultural backgrounds have different perceptions of learning and communicating, thus may have a difficult time achieving in a classroom that does not recognize their cultural differences and methods of learning. For students to be successful in a culturally diverse environment, teachers must work to improve communications and the methods they use to teach, to ensure that they are addressing the needs of a diverse population. To understand how cultural differences impact human relations one must also understand what culture is."
A review of the articles "Theories of Culture" by Roger M. Keesing and "Marking Boundaries - Culture as Category Work" - Qualitative Inquiry by Anne Ryen and David Silverman.
Abstract This paper discusses articles by Roger M. Keesing and Anne Ryen and David Silverman on what culture is, and how we study it, and see what is different in one culture, as opposed to a different culture, or in a small aspect of culture. The paper explains that Keesing seems to be more inclined to see culture in dynamic ways, as always changing or developing, or that has to do with thinking processes, where Ryen and Silverman discuss culture in more material terms that can affect how people of different cultures understand each other. The paper also discusses how Keesing looks at cultures as structural systems so that the scholar will look at how a culture or a structure began and how it continues to influence human life. The writer believes that Ryen and Silverman seem more tied up in how an outsider looks at a culture, the dynamics of importance of what go on between human beings, as individuals, as opposed to the cultural system that Keesing tried to understand. The writer concludes that both articles manage to get across the care that must be taken when researching cultures that are not one's own, but the writer feels that Keesing's work is still not out-dated.
Outline:
Introduction
Theories of Culture The Human Factor
Last Remarks
From the Paper "A culture may adapt because new technology or kinds of organization have come along, or it may change so that a people survive, as in cultures that begin to conserve something so that they can survive in their environment. A desert people, for instance, may show a culture that is protective of water, does not waste water, or whose art shows themes of happiness as the coming of the rain, or safely getting to a place where water is available. Keesing then begins to look at ideational theories of culture that have to do with cognitive systems and how people decide what is special, appealing or what must be done, as all can influence culture. (1974:77f)."
Abstract The writer of this paper critically analyzes the ways in which De Munch and Korotayev start out by explaining that it is difficult to research across cultures because of "cross-cultural pollenization" that is, one culture tends to absorb some traits of the other. They point out that without adequate controls, the research can give both false confirmations of the hypothesis as well as false negatives. This paper is a negative critique of Cultural Units in Cross-Cultural Research.
From the Paper "The first group might look culturally diverse at first: 4 Spanish; 4 Iraqi; 1 Russian; 1 Estonian; 1 Javanese; 1 Ganda; one Greek; one Maronite-Lebanese. However, this group had significant cultural similarities, which the authors of course knew because they contrived the group. Some of the clerics were Catholic and therefore celibate. Others were Moslem and allowed more than one wife. It is hard to imagine how this example sheds any light on either cross-cultural studies or statistical and research methods."
Abstract As America becomes increasingly more diverse, the society will be presented with the challenge of understanding our cultural differences. This paper develops and designs a learning project that compares cultural differences of two ethnic/cultural groups. For the purposes of this project the writer compares the differences between Asian and Western cultures. The project is based on the cultural impact of performance in work force, production, sales, customer services, etc. Before one can create a learning project, one must first understand the cultural backgrounds of both groups.
From the Paper "Westerners tend to perform differently in the workforce than Asian workers. Westerners tend to be motivated by promotions and monetary incentives while Asian workers tend to want what is best for the entire company and their coworkers. In addition, jobs in the western workforce have higher turnover rates than those in the Asian workforce because Asian workers tend to stay with one company for a lifetime."
This paper discusses trans-cultural marriages, which defy ancient taboos by forming intimate relationships with partners from other cultural, religious and racial backgrounds.
Abstract This paper explains that trans-cultural couples not only face the challenges of all marriages but also have the added burden of their distinct backgrounds. The author stresses that the most important issue in trans-cultural marriages is to face the issues and not avoid them for the sake of buying peace with your selves and your families. The paper relates that cultural differences often remain invisible until they have been violated; therefore, one important task for couples from mixed backgrounds is to define, understand, learn and deal with their different culture codes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Typical Situations
Some Basic Rules about Mixed Relationships
1. Face the Issues
2. Clarify Your Different Cultural Codes
3. Sort-Out Confusion about Your Own Identity
4. Understanding the Zones
Three Cultural Dimensions
1. Time
2. Cohesiveness of the Family
3. Emotional Expressiveness
Conclusion
Determination and Endurance Pay Off
From the Paper "The reason why people in mixed relationships might sidestep such issues might be very similar to why all couples might avoid facing potential problems. First of all such unions are romantic relationships. Such romanticism can distract people from focusing on the ordinary problems that are part of everyday life. Most couples do not want to spoil a newfound love by talking about the potential for future problems. Furthermore, there is an added sense of romanticism for culturally mixed couples especially if there is disapproval from the couples' families. Cut off from their loved ones, the couple is pushed into each other's arms, and joins in their animosity for their respective families and in doing so may fail to experience normal uncertainty about their new relationship."
Abstract The paper explains how every organization has its culture and like any other culture, the organizational culture is composed of group interactions within a structured framework. The paper discusses how an organizational culture possesses similar features to any other culture owning folklore heroes, communications network and rites and rituals. The paper notes that like any other culture, an organizational culture must be carefully maintained in order to prevent it from breaking down.
Abstract The paper explains that cultural competence refers to being trained to work in any cross cultural therapeutic environment. The paper relates that every encounter is cross cultural because therapists and patients have differing reference groups. Cultural sensitivity and cultural competence involve the acquisition of both generic and specific cultural knowledge and skills. The paper stresses that unless the mental health psychiatric nurse takes the cultural influences on a patient into account, the goals and process for that patient will not be appropriate.
From the Paper "Cultural competence is associated with four areas: awareness, knowledge, relationships and skills. In order to work with people from diverse cultures who have a mental health disability, the nurse must have cultural competence."
Abstract The cultural differences in the United States and Canada began after the American Revolutionary period. A plethora of theories exist regarding the rationale behind the variances in culture. Some theorists contend that the Vietnam War created a vast gap between the cultures, while others suggest that the ideologies of rebellion and peace forced the two cultures to become opposing neighbors. Religion, politics and national ideologies encompass the realm of cultural differences that exist between the countries. this paper examines the similarities between Canadian and American cultures that exist despite the many differences that also exist between the cultures.
Abstract The question, What is popular culture and how does it relate to Eastern and Western societies? is an apparently simple query that conceals a complex range of social cultural and economic aspects. This essay examines this question, beginning with a provisional definition of popular culture and an attempt to distinguish it from other cultural forms such as high culture and mass culture. The thesis is argued that popular culture is, in its fundamental elements, a commercial culture that is dependent to an extraordinary degree upon the mass media as a technological vehicle for its messages and products.
