CULTURAL IDENTITY LESSONS REVEALED BY PERSONAL STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
A person's sense of self can be influenced by their nationality, ethnicity, religion, social class, generation, locale, or any other type of social group that has its own unique culture. In this approach, a person's cultural identity is both a trait of that person and of the group of people who share a similar culture and upbringing.
In these accounts below, we explore some of the ways language, folk stories and popular literature influence cultural identity.
ICELANDIC LANDSCAPE INSPIRES CULTURE RICH WITH MAGICAL FOLKLORE
Icelandic landscape is otherworldly and inspires a rich tradition of Icelandic folklore. Learn about glaciers and black beaches.
PERSIAN ARCHITECTURE’S MAJESTIC TRADITIONS REVEALED
Persian architecture has a distinctive style and techniques of building influenced by religion, mythology, and art.
FLAMENCO IN SEVILLE EMBODIES ALLURING CULTURAL HERITAGE
Flamenco in Seville is not just traditional Spanish dance. It is art, an experience, a culture and way of life. A must read before you go!
ARMENIAN ALPHABET IS CATALYST FOR CULTURAL ENDURANCE
The Armenian alphabet is crucial to the identity of its people and the country’s longevity as one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
TRADITIONS OF OKLAHOMA’S NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE: AN INTERVIEW WITH CURATOR DR. DAN SWAN
Native American culture is rich with symbolism & mysticism. Dr. Daniel Swan has spent four decades immersed in Oklahoma’s Native American Culture.
THE MEANING OF HYGGE, DENMARK’S SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION
The meaning of Hygge is believed to be the spiritual foundation of Denmark. Meet locals who share their personal definition of hygge!
GUATEMALAN GHOST STORIES
La Antigua Guatemala in Central America is filled with stories of mythical dark and horrific creatures that have been passed down every generation.
THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK, THE HEART AND SOUL OF ICELAND
Thingvellir National Park is a beautiful landscape with a history of storytelling. Meet archeologist Margret Hallmundsdottir to learn more!
LAW OF JANTE, A SCANDINAVIAN CODE OF CONDUCT
Is Law of Jante about humility or conformity? Six locals share their views of this Scandinavian code of conduct and its relevance today.
DONALD SMITH, DIRECTOR, SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE
The Scottish Storytelling Centre is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. In this interview with its director, Donald Smith, we discuss the themes of identity.
SIMON VELEZ, COLOMBIAN ARCHITECT ON CULTURE OF BAMBOO
Meet Bogota resident, Simon Velez, who shares his views on eco-architecture & politics of building with “poor people’s wood” or bamboo.