Text a. Culture and Civilization

There are several definitions of culture and civilization. Now let us see what different scientists have to say on this subject.

1. Culture is a system of beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts shared by the members of society. Culture is seen in people's writing, religion, music, clothes, cooking, and in what they do. A culture is transmitted to the next generation by learning.

Civilization is a complex society that has cities, social classes, and government. Culture is just one aspect of civilization. It's possible for a culture to exist without civilization, but a civilization cannot exist without culture. A civilization can include more than one culture.

2. Culture and civilization are often mixed up in people's minds. Culture is passed on from one generation to another; according to some researchers, civilization is the result of culture. Humans started to live in groups through culture. These early groups were always on the move hunting and gathering.

Culture can be found in humans ever since Australopithecine man first used fire. As soon as humans started to pass down knowledge orally and materially, they started to pass down a living culture. From there they developed into the homo erectus, then into the homo sapiens - the 'modern human'. Humans have had culture for a very long time.

3. The words 'culture' and 'civilization' have been often used synonymously, though they have quite different meanings. 'Civilization' means the improvement of ways of living, making Nature fulfil the needs of humankind. It includes also organizing societies into political groups working collectively for improved conditions of life. Thus (таким чином) a group considers itself as civilized, while others were looked down upon as barbarians. This has led to wars and holocausts, resulting in mass destruction (знищення) of human beings. Therefore (тому) civilization by itself cannot be the goal of life.

On the other hand (з іншого боку), 'culture' refers to the inner man, a refinement of head and heart. One who may be poor and wearing cheap clothes may be considered 'uncivilized', but still he or she may be the most cultured person. 'Culture' includes arts and sciences, music and dance and various higher activities of human life.

4. I think there is a difference between culture and civilization. Civilization is wider than culture, it is the result of the efforts of human communities throughout history. In one word, cultural progress means progress of the civilization, because culture is the soul of civilization. On the other hand, collapsing of culture means collapsing of civilization.

Exercise 9.

• Look through Text A and find the sentences in which the Passive Voice and Phrasal Verbs are used. Translate and write them down.

• Say why it is correct to say:

Humans have had culture for a very long time.

Cultural studies is concerned with the meaning and practices of everyday life.

Exercise 10.

• Look through the text and find the English equivalents for:

носити дешевий одяг; культурна людина; задовольняти потреби людства; протягом всієї історії; абсолютно інші значення; це означає занепад цивілізації; спричинити масове знищення

• Suggest the Ukrainian equivalents for:

consider oneself a civilized person; the improvement of ways of living; always on the move hunting and gathering; as soon as …; civilization by itself; early humans; pass down knowledge orally and materially

Exercise 11.

• Complete the sentences using your knowledge or imagination:

According to most scientists, culture is …

You cannot consider yourself a cultured person if you …

Exercise 12.

• Read the text and find arguments to prove that:

a) Culture is the soul of civilization.

b) Civilization by itself cannot be the goal of life.

• Use the material of the text to answer the following question:

What is the difference between culture and civilization?

• Read the text again and find sentences describing:

a) the way of life of early humans;

b) the progress of man.

• Find the places in the text to support the following statement (висловлювання):

'Culture' refers to the inner world of man.

Exercise 13.

• Agree or disagree with the following statements. Explain your choice.

Culture is more important than material goods.