The Effect of Culture (100-Word Paragraph)
In what way has culture had an effect on you? Choose one good example and write a paragraph of about 100 words that follows the structure of a body paragraph (as in “A Unique Culture”).
Note that "culture" means the often unwritten rules we follow. For example, how long, in your culture, should a goodbye after a party take? In some cultures, goodbye may take an hour or more. In others, we say goodbye more quickly.
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Rules for Essays from Class:
“Rules” from the Class on Standard Essays
An essay has a title. Titles should be attractive and should not be the most obvious one.
Essays need an introduction. But, the structure of an introduction is different from body paragraphs. The essay begins generally: “In the modern world” or “Many people say.” Avoid the sweeping, overly general beginning. By general, you mean more general than what you’re talking about. But, the point is to move us to the specific topic.
The thesis might include the three topics in a single sentence. It can also be a more general idea that will contain those ideas. Introductions ought to have two or three sentences and may have more in special circumstances.
Topic sentences appear in body paragraphs. The first sentence is most typical, but the second sentence is also common.
Transitions may be useful. Avoid the mechanical: Firstly, secondly, thirdly. Trust that the ideas themselves are coherent and logical.
Examples support ideas. Personal examples suit personal topic. An extended example works better than a list of general stuff.
Clarity and simplicity are underrated.
The “standard” has a “standard” and should be followed, but that’s not the hardest part. The ideas and logic are the hardest.
Essays conclude. Restate thesis and then back to generalities.
Be brief.
Culture dictates the “how” of my behaviour. We all shop. But, depending on our culture, we may (or may not) do certain things. I often chat with my cashier (if not too busy) about something more than the weather. It’s thought of as good manners by many of my generation. My parents conversed with cashiers, and I follow their example. It seems odd for people to ignore the person serving them. More than once I’ve watched a customer talking on a cell phone throughout a retail transaction. I roll my eyes at a cashier and she shrugs. The way we behave socially, the “how” of culture affects me every day.
—110 words
It’s hard to believe, but the reality is that in my country, Burundi, people who are under 18 don’t do any activities while eating with adults. Eyes must be directed to the meal and they are not allowed to look at the adult’s faces.
The most important rule though, the people who are under age can’t talk while eating with old people. Our culture doesn’t absolutely allow that; unless if they were appointed to say something or asked about something, otherwise, (no talk.) So, our culture it’s completely different comparing to the Canadian culture.
Wherever there are Chinese gatherings, it’s hard to expect silence. Chinese like to liven up with noise and excitement. Noise in Chinese restaurants refers to joyful atmosphere.
Restaurant owners delight the prosperity as well. However, when the same situation happens in Western restaurants, it becomes very annoying. Once I had a mother and children gathering in a local restaurant, our high volume exciting conversations invited many local customers’ hostile gaze. We felt so sorry for that, and since then, we would only organize gatherings at someone’s house and try to control our voice.
93 words
Part of our culture is for being thrifty. We put value on material things that we have, and reserve our resources for future needs. We maximize using almost everything. From dresses, books, tools, kitchen utencils, furnitures, and farm implements to mention a few. When things are broken, they are fixed or repaired. And for some that are beyond repair, they are kept as family heirlooms. I'm a bit awed when I arrived in Canada, witnessing how people easily discard things(specially during spring clean-up) even if these things are still in working condition. No wonder Canada is next to USA as the largest waste producers in the world.
My parents generations believed that saying: spare the rod, spoiled the child, or the finest diamond must be cut. Kneeling down on the ground for few hours, My husband was ever punished by his father, when he did something really” bad”. Smashing against my hands, that was how my mother punished me for sitting by the dining table with dirty hands. These were how our parents educated their children. When my child was born, my husband said to me that he would never do physical punishment to his child. I agreed with him but I swerved a little bit. This was my rules of parenting: no punishing, and no spoiling.
110 words
What is the Canadian culture? I have been Canada almost five years, and I think I don’t get much. But there is one thing effect me every day. I take bus from Monday to Friday for going work. No matter how crowd the bus is, if the young people see the old people or the baby carriage get on, they will automatically get up, and leave the spot for them. This is the good behavior, and I think that is kind of Canadian culture. Now, every time I take the bus, and I will automatically go straight to the back.
-100 words
In English, people never call Smith as "Old Smith", instead they call name directly. However, in Chinese, it's a kind of honorific title. If somebody is addressed as "Old Zhang", that means Mr. Zhang is a respectable man, even if he is only twenties. But it's not a good idea if you call your boss that on your first day at work, or address to a stranger. Because it is only used in intimates like friends, classmates, colleagues etc, at least you know each other. If you call somebody's name directly, that mostly means you are higher than him/her in some ways.
—102 words
As the other people say, the Filipino parents' upbringing to their teenage children is too conservative. One good example is curfew. I should be at home at 10PM (but there may have considerations) or else they'll give me a tedious speech. This is one of the disciplines in my country that until now, even we're already in Canada, is carried out. I know that my parents are sticking to this discipline to establish my responsibilities. Independence doesn't mean that you can do whichever you like. Independence always starts in dependence. Make your parents trust your capability to live life first, then, go ahead.
- 103 words
The Teacher’s Dignity
The teacher’s dignity is sacrosanct in China. Most elementary schools expect students to stand up at the beginning of every class to show their respect to the teachers. A student should ask for permission before entering or leaving the classroom during class. It is very impolite to call a teacher by the first name. There is a proverb in China, “Once your teacher, your parent forever.” When I started studying here, I was shocked, embarrassed, and felt guilty as I faced a teacher crouching down, and then kneeling down beside me to answer my question. In Canada, the teacher’s dignity gives way to equality.
(104 words)
Each country has its’ culture, and some of them are positive and valuable. In Persian country respecting to someone who is older than you (relatives or acquaintances) is important. When my grandmother or my grandfather comes in, my duty as a polite granddaughter is to stand up until they have seats. Young people listen to their advices (it does not matter do it or not), and help them if they want to stand or sit or need something. In my country, people believe that if you respect to older than, young people will respect you if you get senior.
I n India, when we eat food we always sit proper way. It doesn’t matter that is breakfast, dinner and drink. It is very bad manners standing, walking and talking when people eat. When I came in Canada, first thing surprised I saw people were eating food while they were driving, eating, talking. My first day in the school, my classmate was eating food in class. I was thinking, she will get punishment because she is eating in food in the class. I was so surprised when the teacher came in the class eating a muffin and handling a cup of coffee.
To tell the truth, there are many things surprised me here in canada.I came here four years ago, but I discovered many things about canadian culture.For example,children here quit their parent's home in some age asking for personel life,study.... Rarely to hear that youth help their parents(give them money).However,I grew up in a society that children must stay near to their parents even if they got married.In brief,each society has it's culture and no one is perfect that's why we imigrate and move from place to another as a butterflies to discover new cultures. -106 words
Culture has affected me by expanding my knowledge. Though views and practices may seem strange to some, every culture has contributed important pieces to our planet. Without a place to share new ideas we would live in a very different way. Everything from clothing to medicine would be changed. Culture is responsible for the exchange of new ideas and technology. The advancement we experience by sharing culture changes the outcome of our everyday lives. I am grateful to live in a place of such freedom, full of interesting people that are able to openly share their culture.
-97
In Canada, my sense of belonging to something larger than myself and my family is long gone. Someone said to me that being solitary is the price I pay for freedom. In China, organizations, companies and government agencies that we belong to, called “units”, are important information to reveal our identity when introducing ourselves. Units are not only places we work, but have strong sentimental attachments. Although sometimes we felt restrictions, units are like extended families for social support. Colleagues attend our wedding ceremonies and our baby’s first birthday party. With those good memories, my Chinese neighbors, once devoted Communist Party members in China, are active Christian church members now.
-110 words
Each country has its own culture and beliefs. In Serbian culture it’s extremely important to respect the elderly, for example, giving a hand getting in a bus. We are also very loud at the dinner table, (like most of the Europeans) sometimes when we talk it seems like we are fighting. I grew up very close to my parents, they don’t believe in moving out before marriage, they believe a girl should live under their roof until the day that she gets married. Culture has affected all of us living in Canada; we learn the differences and similarities between each religion and the importance of the decisions we make in life.
Although I was born in Canada my background is Filipino. My parents tried their best to adjust themselves to the Canadian culture. Unfortunately, I was not particularly taught the language in how to speak but I was more taught in ethics and respecting the elders. Such examples would be naming the eldest cousins (female: ate, male: kuya), aunts (tita), uncles (tito) and grandparents (female: lola, male: lolo) following their name. With grandparents, godfathers or godmothers when greeting we do something called, “bless”. It’s basically a respect by taking their top of their hand and blessing it onto the forehead who is greeting.
--102 words
In Lebanese culture as many other cultures, age is greatly respected, and respect for parents is extremely valued. The father and the mother usually are our leaders in our life .No matter how old are you, or what is your status, you always should count on them (emotionally, economically, or even physically). Always they are beside us to support and encourage us to build our future successfully, in the ways that they dreamed about it. They sacrifice their life for us. While here in Canada, I have noticed that you could freely leave your parents, and build your future by yourself.
Words: 101
A teacher whose duties in Canada is different from Taiwan. In Taiwan, the teachers are the symbol of moral. Parents seldom challenge the instructions that came from children’s teacher, and expect they can correct children’s actions when they are wrong. After being Canadian, I was surprised that Canadian teachers’ position. They help students learning, but not giving any instructions in moral. I know the customs of Canadian, but often forgetting the differences between Canada and Taiwan. I have been immersed in this concept for forty years, and it is difficult for me to change the idea – teachers are the symbol of moral.
102 words
In the Western culture, respect is shown through listening to your elders or being polite. In the Filipino culture, respect is shown through holding an elder's hand, placing it on your forehead and saying, "bless". Respect is very traditional and important in our culture. For example, we do not call our older siblings by their first name. It's either kuya (big brother) or ate (big sister).
Respect is so important in the filipino culture because we acknowledge that older people are more wise and they teach us the way of life.
91 words
From the day i was born here in British Columbia, i have always been in a multi-cultural environment. My parents were huge fans of international music, food and culture. I remember one time as small child i heard some really cool sounding drum beats coming from the record player. I ran into the living room and started dancing around and preteneded what it would be like to live in Africa. Then at dinner we pulled out our recipe book and tryed out a new ethnic dish. To this day I think of how this had an effect on who I am as a human today. Being exposed to different cultures really helped to open my eyes and appreciate all forms of life.
In our Afghan culture to say “hi “ takes longer, sine we have to ask lots of questions when we meet each other. It starts with asalam-alaikum (may peace be upon you), then- how are you doing? How is your health? How is everything? How is life? How is job? We should ask how each one of the family members are doing.
In Canada, it is simple- hi, how are you doing? To me, it is better this way. You are nice enough to greet a person, you do not ask personal questions, and you do not waste time.
99 words
Everybody is all shaped by the culture. When I was child, on Chinese New Year, I would receive the “lucky money” in the red envelope from elders. However, I was told I must show some reluctant and hesitation before accepting it. In doing so it was considered the good manner and respect. After living in Canada for five years, I went beck to celebrate the Chinese New Year. As I was still teenager, the elders offered the lucky money. Nevertheless, this time I just said, “Thank you,” and quickly took the envelope. Immediately, my parents put me aside and reminded me I should not do this in Taiwan. Later, I realized I have changed and forgot the Taiwanese Culture since I live in Canada.
110 words
I passed through the most unique Canadian Culture experience four years ago. My first landlady sued me stealing without any evidence and claimed three thousand dollars. This case lasted for three years and went through different courts, such as Supreme Court, and Small Claims Court. If I retreated, I lost both fame and money. To have no way out, I applied for help from many social organizations (CHIMO, Richmond Hospital and UBC Law Advice) to fight back. Soothing my emotion, maintaining my health, and helping me with the Law issues, they form a solid network to show unique social force. Finally, not only did I gain confidence with justice but also savored the most fantastic Canadian Culture experience in my life.
Culture affects a lot of things in our lives and we don’t even realize it. Here in Canada parents ground their children or give them a time out as a form of punishment. Boy do they have it good. When I was a kid I used to get hit with a wooden spoon. I’m not talking about a full out baseball swing but just a tap hard enough to make me cry for a couple of minutes . All though it may seem like an excessive form of punishment or child abuse in Canada, it was very common and effective form of discipline in my culture. It just comes to show the differences in culture even when it comes to disciplining your kids.
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