Personal Stories Express the Cultural Significance of Language and Legends
What characterizes culture? It's a sweeping and finely textured notion that covers a wide array of distinct portrayals. Without question, any all-inclusive characterization of culture would be incomplete without the involvement of language and legends.
Language and Legends are culturally universal. What do we mean by "cultural universals"? These are elements of society that every culture has. How they are carried out or their role in a given community in different cultures may vary--but we all are very familiar with these behaviors or ways of life as being part of the human condition. There are many more cultural universals, but these are the ones we explore here at PAC.
The need to be heard and feel understood are part of our shared, universal human condition. A common understanding of how units of sounds and symbols are organized, written and spoken facilitate understanding and effective social interaction--such as the ability to cooperate, negotiate and compromise.
Language and culture are closely intertwined--in many cases, people's nationalities are identified by the tongue in which they speak. Within communities that share a given language, dialects reveal subtle distinctions and connections. With a common basis for communicating thoughts and ideas, cultures create and pass on folklore--stories that articulate shared history, values, beliefs, practices, offering context and texture for the group's collective wisdom.
Icelandic landscape is otherworldly and inspires a rich tradition of Icelandic folklore. Learn about glaciers and black beaches. The three indigenous languages of Scotland reflect the country’s history. Get the back story on the revival of the Scots and Gaelic languages! The Great Blasket Islands of Ireland are a microcosm of Irish culture. Learn about ancient folk wisdom, religious fusion, ‘the king.’ The Armenian alphabet is crucial to the identity of its people and the country’s longevity as one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Native American culture is rich with symbolism & mysticism. Dr. Daniel Swan has spent four decades immersed in Oklahoma’s Native American Culture. Endangered languages are still preserved and revived thanks to Michael Krauss, renowned linguist and champion of linguistic diversity. The meaning of Hygge is believed to be the spiritual foundation of Denmark. Meet locals who share their personal definition of hygge! La Antigua Guatemala in Central America is filled with stories of mythical dark and horrific creatures that have been passed down every generation. Is Law of Jante about humility or conformity? Six locals share their views of this Scandinavian code of conduct and its relevance today. The Scottish Storytelling Centre is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. In this interview with its director, Donald Smith, we discuss the themes of identity.
Icelandic Landscape Inspires Culture Rich with Magical Folklore
The Three Languages of Scotland
Great Blasket Islands A Microcosm of Irish Culture and Heritage
Armenian Alphabet is Catalyst for Cultural Endurance
Traditions of Oklahoma’s Native American Culture: An Interview with Curator Dr. Dan Swan
Endangered Languages Foreseen by Linguist Thirty Years Ago
The Meaning of Hygge, Denmark’s Spiritual Foundation
Guatemalan Ghost Stories
Law of Jante, a Scandinavian Code of Conduct
Donald Smith, Director, Scottish Storytelling Centre