Culture

Culture

What is culture?

 Culture refers to the language, beliefs, values, norms, and material objects that are passed from one generation to the next.

What are the two types of Cultures?

·        Material Culture

The physical objects associated with a particular culture.

·        Non-Material Culture

A group’s ways of thinking (beliefs, values, and assumptions) and common patterns of behavior (language, gestures, and other forms of interaction).

                                                   

                                                 Cultures in Belize

Our small country isn’t defined by one culture, but a unique blend of influences from all over the world. It is a melting pot! It’s this blend that gives the people of Belize the distinct ability to make anyone feel welcome. From cuisine to language to dancing, there are many clutures and traditions to explore explore that make Belize so unique.

Garifuna Culture

This Belizean culture is known not only for their vibrant colors and delicious food, they’re the creators of a popular hypnotic drumbeat music, punta. The rhythm of the drums will let you hear, feel and move to the Garifuna culture in Southern Belize.

Mayan culture

Maya culture is still alive and well in Belize. Today, you can tour authentic sites left by this great culture and, in many cases, be guided through these sites by a direct descendant―a modern-day Maya. In many cities, you can also find Maya cuisine and festivals celebrating this ancient civilization.

Creole Culture

 From the language to the food, the Creole (or “Kriol”) culture always leaves you wanting more. Its origins date back to the late 1700s when British settlers and African slaves gave birth to this new Creole population and they remain one of the staple cultures of Belize

Mestizo Culture

Mestizo—a culture of the past that is still present today. Mestizo is a vibrant culture whose heritage originated from the Maya and Spanish. Today, the majority of Mestizo descendants populate districts in Northern Belize.

 

Mennonite Culture

The Mennonites of Belize are relatively new in the bigger picture, arriving as late as the 1960’s to settle in Belize. Unlike most other cultures and ethnic groups that populate the country, Mennonites don’t make a habit of mixing with other Belizeans in most senses of the term. Mennonites live generally in secluded communities, not by way of distance but by way of lifestyle since their villages and towns are inhabited almost exclusively by Mennonites.

East Indian Culture

The East Indian people of Belize share a common origin with but are not to be confused for the recent Indian immigrants. East Indians were some of the first peoples to be brought to Belize, back then to supplement the workforce present at the time on the plantations. Their arrival wasn’t until after slavery was abolished in the then colony and many, after serving their contracts turned to entrepreneurial ventures as a means of life.

What Is Culture Shock?

“Culture shock is the term we use to describe the feelings of confusion and uncertainty that are experienced when you come into contact with a culture that is vastly different from your own. Culture shock can be commonly seen in foreign students, immigrants and refugees. Even students who stay in their home countries suffer from culture shock as they make the transition into the foreign environment known as college.” (Williams, 2017)

 I’ve experienced culture shock several times. When I went for a culture exchange program in the US, I was excited to take my first trip to the states and I could not wait to go. Once I got off th plane, everything reality stepped in. It was extremely cold. I was not used to the sknow at all and I got extremely ill. The program included students from all over the carribean s it was hard to fit in. It was hard to adjust to the time difference. I missed my home cooked meals.I could not have cannot connected with any of the locals and I felt like no one understood what I going through. I cried at night and wished I  was at home. What I was feeling was culture shock.

Culture shock is scary.  It’s exhausting.  It’s frustrating and humiliating, and it makes you feel self-conscious and out of place.  However, It’s about messing up and learning from your mistakes.  It’s about embracing each and every difference that you encounter.  It’s about growth.

References:

Lyons, T. (2018, January 28). Let's Talk About Culture Shock. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from IESAbroad: https://www.iesabroad.org/blogs/victoria-lyons/lets-talk-about-culture-shock#sthash.1oo3QTcK.dpbs

Update), B. C. (2018, July 12). John Smith. Retrieved April 28, 2019, from Belize Travel blog: https://belize-travel-blog.chaacreek.com/about-us/

Williams, Y. (2017, May 21). Culture Shock: Definition, Stages & Examples. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from Study.com: https://study.com/academy/lesson/culture-shock-definition-stages-examples.html

Wreed, C. (2017, June 11). MANY RHYTHMS, ONE HEARTBEAT, Belizean Culture . Retrieved April 28, 2019, from Travel Belize.org: https://www.travelbelize.org/do-and-see/culture