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PENNSVALLEY
Lesson 9:
Peoples of theWorld – Ethnic Diversity
In our study of the Eastern Hemisphere, we will be exploring five continents with about 160
countries and numerous dependent territories. Except for Antarctica, all places have people living
permanently in communities.These communities have several things in common. As people live their
daily lives, they have hopes, fears, and dreams.
Among these communities, we will encounter people from thousands of ethnic groups. Just what
is an ethnic group? An ethnic group is a group of people who share common features or
characteristics. These features can be language, race, religion, and/or pride in country. When we
combine these features, we begin to describe a group’s culture.
Thus, all ethnic groups have a culture. There are many words that are used to describe culture
among peoples of the world. Some of the words are: traditions, heritage, values, society, beliefs,
customs, and traits. These words are hard to explain. Yet, we live them everyday in our different
cultures.
Several features make up a culture. These features could be a culture’s beliefs, customs, values,
language, clothing, food, housing,music, religions, and institutions.Wearenot bornwitha culture.We
learn culture by growing up within it. Culture has many different meanings and we learn it many
different ways.
For example, let’s look at how people greet each other in different cultures. In the United States,
we greet people by a handshake. In some European cultures, people greet each other by kissing on
the cheek. In some Asian cultures, people greet each other by bowing. One form of greeting is not
better than another.These are simple cultural differences.
ACTIVITY 1:
For example, look at the cultural differences in the box on utensils used for eating food. List at least
two other cultural differences that are based upon fact. Food, language, music, and clothing are good
features to compare.
Cultural Differences
1. Americans eat foodwith knives, forks, and spoons.Chinese people eat
foodwith chopsticks. Some cultures eat foodwith their fingers.
2.
3.
Geography Skills
