Cultural and Social Vocabulary Practice

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to culture, society, and traditions based on the lecture transcript.

norm (n)

A standard, rule, or traditional behavior accepted by a society.

taboo (n/adj)

A social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding a particular practice or association with a particular person, place, or thing.

disrespectful (adj)

Showing a lack of respect; rude.

celebration (n)

A social gathering or enjoyable activity held to honor a special day or event.

ritual (n)

A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.

religious (adj)

Relating to or believing in a religion.

multicultural (adj)

Relating to or containing several cultural or ethnic groups within a society.

language barrier (n. phr)

A difficulty in communication between people who speak different languages.

overcome (v)

To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty; also noted as "get over".

cultural identity (n. phr)

The identity or feeling of belonging to a group, often related to nationality, ethnicity, or religion.

reflect (v)

To show, embody, or represent something.

value (n/v)

The regard that something is held to deserve; to consider something to be important or beneficial.

ancestor (n)

A person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended.

rooted (adj)

Firmly established or deeply ingrained.

vary (v)

To differ in size, amount, degree, or nature from something else of the same general class.

speciality (n)

A product, particularly a food item, that a place or person is famous for producing.

costume (n)

A set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period.

encounter (v)

To unexpectedly be faced with or experience something.

embrace (v)

To accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically.

reject (v)

To dismiss or refuse to accept or use something.

misunderstanding (n)

A failure to understand something correctly.

heritage (n)

Valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions and historical buildings that have been passed down from previous generations.

favorable

Advantageous, helpful, or likely to lead to success.

cultivation

The act of preparing land and growing crops or plants.

mildly

In a gentle or moderate manner.

brackish

Slightly salty; often used to describe water that is a mix of river water and seawater.

contributes to

To help to cause or bring about something.

nata de coco

A chewy, translucent, jelly-like food produced by the fermentation of coconut water.

charcoal

A porous black solid, consisting of an amorphous form of carbon, used as fuel.

integration

The action or process of combining several things into a whole.

distinctive

Characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others; unique.

intricate

Very complicated or detailed; complex.

intertwined

Twisted or laced together; closely connected.

enduring

Lasting over a long period of time; durable.

noted (adj)

Well known or famous.

associated with

Connected with something else in thought or function.

Racial equality

The social state in which all people are treated the same regardless of their race.

Social justice

The objective of creating a fair and equal society by challenging injustice and valuing diversity.

Reconsider

To consider something again, especially for a possible change of decision regarding it.

Phenomenon

A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.

Claim to (do something)

To state that something is the case, typically without providing proof.

Empower

To give someone the authority or power to do something.

Reputation

The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something.

Emerge (v)

To become apparent, important, or prominent; appeared.

Superficial (adj)

Existing or occurring at or on the surface; lacking depth or thoroughness.