Culture and Cultural Diversities Class 6 Notes Questions and Answers Social Science Chapter 5

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Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5 Culture and Cultural Diversities Notes Questions and Answers

Class 6 Social Science Culture and Cultural Diversities Notes Questions and Answers

Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Question 1.
These are the words of our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in his book ‘The Discovery of India’, describing the diversity of India. What are the diversities mentioned here?

Answer:

• Language
• Traditions
• Geography
• Culture
• Festivals and Music
• Life stories

Question 2.
Find out Malayalam poems or songs reflecting national unity and present as a group in class.
Answer:
(Hints)

• ഭാരതമെന്നാൽ പാരിൻ നടുവിൽ – പി ഭാസ്ക്കരൻ
  ഭാരതമെന്നാൽ പാരിൻ നടുവിൽ
  കേവലമൊരുപിടി മണ്ണല്ല
  ജനകോടികൾ നമ്മെ നാമായ് മാറ്റിയ
  ജന്മഗൃഹമല്ലോ
• “കേരളീയം” – വള്ളത്തോൾ നാരായണമേനോൻ
  ഭാരതമെന്ന പേർ കേട്ടാലഭിമാന
  പൂരിതമാകണമന്തരംഗം
  കേരളമെന്നു കേട്ടാൽ തിളയ്ക്കണം
  ചോര നമുക്ക് ഞരമ്പുകളിൽ……

Question 3.
Observe the brochure prepared for “Keralapiravi” Day. Let us also create a similar brochure.
Divide the class into different groups. Prepare a digital brochure on a state or on a Union Territory of India and present it in the class using the facilities in the Social Science Lab. Information about the state’s language, clothing, art, festivals, entertainment, food, and more can be included.

Answer:

Question 4.
Rithi is a member of a Rajasthani family which came to Kerala for work and settled here. Read the message shared by Rithi, for her friends who is a student of Govt. UP School, Cholavanam.

a) What all similar features are there between the Onam festival in Kerala and the Teej festival in Rajasthan?
b) What are the features found in Rajasthan that are different from Kerala?
Answer:
a)

• Teej is celebrated in the month of Sravana (Which is “Chingam” in Kerala)
• Swings are put up for Teej.
• New clothes are worn

b)

• Celebrations like Pushkar Mela and Gaja Mela are special to Rajasthan.
• Men wear turbans and coats, which are traditional in Rajasthan.
• Women wear skirts, Cholis (blouses), and sarees in Rajasthani style.

Question 5.
a) Ask your elders about the important festivals, languages, traditional clothing, food, arts and crafts, monuments, and other cultural aspects of your area, and use the information to complete the concept map provided below.
b) Based on the above concept map prepare a description titled ‘My Place’ and upload it to the school wiki.

Answer:
(Hints) Prepare a simple description by using the given details.

Question 6.
Classify and list the following as material culture and non-material culture. You will add more examples, won’t you?
(Malayalam, Shirt, Book, Religious beliefs, Utensils, House, Bag, Love, Watch, Phone, Spade, Respect, Knowledge.)

Answer:

Material Culture	Non-Material Culture
Shirt, Book, Utensils, House, Bag, Watch, Phone, Spade, Pen, Chair, Computer.	Malayalam, Religious beliefs, Love, Respect, Knowledge, Traditions, Ethics, Justice.

Question 7.
Observe the concept map and make notes explaining culture and components of culture.

Answer:
CULTURE

• Our culture is formed by factors such as our food, clothing and language.
• The way we think and act is also a part of culture.
• Culture is something we inherit traditionally as members of society. All the achievements of humanity can be termed as culture.

Culture is what sets humans apart from other species. Each individual is born into a unique cultural context. It is through the process of socialisation, each individual acquire their own culture. Art, music, literature, philosophy, religion, science and so on are all different components of culture. All these are human made. That is why culture is considered to be human made.

Culture is defined in the opening lines of the book ‘Primitive Culture’ published by E. B. Tylor in 1871, thus: Culture is “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society”.

Components of Culture

There are diverse societies and cultures existing in the whole world. The culture of India too is incredibly rich with diversity. Our country is home to a wide variety of religions, castes, and tribal communities. Each one has its own distinct traditions and culture. Similarly, a remarkable diversity of languages also exists in India.

Question 8.

a) Find out how many languages are printed on our currency notes.
b) Enquire about which languages are included in the Constitution of India.
Answer:
a) 17 languages

1. Assamese
2. Bengali
3. Gujarati
4. Kannada
5. Kashmiri
6. Konkani
7. Malayalam
8. Marathi
9. Nepali
10. Oriya
11. Punjabi
12. Sanskrit
13. Tamil
14. Telugu
15. Urdu
16. Hindi
17. English

b) The Constitution of India recognizes 22 languages in its Eighth Schedule. These languages are: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Question 9.
Let’s make a poster that includes the cultural features of different countries. Form into groups. Each group selects one card from the cards with names of different countries written on them. Prepare and present a poster based on the cultural features given below with the help of reading materials and internet.
• Traditional Clothing
• Traditional Food
• Entertainments
• Festivals
• Language
• Inventions
Answer:
(Hints)
Step 1: Form groups Step 2: Select a Country
Step 3: Collect Information (Use books, reading materials, and the internet to collect information about your country’s culture. Find details about the given six cultural features.)
Step 4: Design the Poster and present

Question 10.
Onam is one of the major festivals in Kerala. You celebrate Onam in school, don’t you?
a) What are the preparations made for Onam celebration?
b) From where did you learn all these things?
Answer:
a)

• Decorating the School
• Making Pookkalam
• Wearing Traditional Dress
• Organizing Cultural Programs
• Preparing and sharing the Onam feast

b)

• From teachers and elders at home.
• From TV, books, and Onam special shows.

Question 11.
What are some of the cultural practices you’ve learnt?
Answer:

• Standing up during the National Anthem.
• Touching elders’ feet to show respect.
• Removing footwear before entering a temple or home.
• Sharing food with others, especially during festivals.
• Respecting teachers and addressing them properly.

Question 12.
In school, you eat together with your friends while celebrating Onam Feast, don’t you? What are the specialities of “Onam Feast”?
Answer:

• People from all sections of society sit together and have food.
• The meal is served on a banana leaf.
• It includes a variety of vegetarian dishes.

Question 13.
Collect pictures of festivals in your area (carnival, agricultural fairs, film festival, literature festivals etc.) and prepare a wall magazine with cultural features.
Answer:

Question 14.
What all symbols do you know, that represent our nationalism?
Answer:

• National Anthem
• National Flag
• National Song
• Constitution of India
• Independence Day and Republic Day

Question 15.
Find the symbols used as part of culture in your area, note their characteristic features. Prepare and display a wall magazine.
Answer:
(Hints: Discuss with elders and find some symbols in your area and note their features.)

Question 16.
Listen carefully as grandmother shares the changes in the marriage practices, with her grandchildren and friends who have come to attend her wedding anniversary.

“In my younger days, marriages were very simple. My marriage took place in a “pavilion” set up in the front yard. Only close relatives and family members were invited. The food was cooked by my relatives. At that time, more attention was given to marriage ceremonies and customs.

But, my granddaughter’s marriage was a grand celebration. A beautifully decorated and spacious auditorium, with stage full of photographers and videographers. In our time, marriages were just a one- day event. But today, what all new pre wedding celebrations are there, like “haldi” and “mehandi” ceremonies. What all changes in the conduct of marriages itself. An event management team was in charge of everything. There was a separate team for cooking and catering services. The feast included dishes that I had never even heard of. How much marriage ceremonies have changed from simple customs…

a) These pictures indicate the modern trends in marriage. Grandmother has mentioned the changes in marriage ceremonies. What are they?
b) What are your thoughts on keeping ceremonies like marriages simple instead of extravagant? Discuss.
Answer:
a)

• Marriage Reception.
• Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies before the wedding.
• Event management teams handle all arrangements.
• Separate catering and cooking teams.
• Professional photographers and videographers.
• Weddings are celebrated over several days instead of just one day.

b) Keeping marriages simple helps reduce waste, save money, and focus more on the real meaning of the ceremony. However, extravagant weddings have also created many job opportunities. People working in event management, catering, photography, decoration, and makeup get work through such events. So, while simple weddings are good for saving money and avoiding show-off, grand weddings also help many people earn their living. It is important to find a balance between the two.

Question 17.
Does the development of new media influence food and clothing that are part of our culture? Discuss in class and make notes.
Answer:
Yes, the development of new media has a big influence on our food and clothing. Through TV, internet, YouTube, and social media, we learn about different foods and fashion from around the world. People try new recipes and wear clothes seen in movies or online. Sometimes, traditional food and dress are replaced by modern styles. But new media also helps us promote and share our own culture with others. So, it has both positive and negative effects.

Question 18.
Theyyam

Theyyam is a customary art form from northern Kerala. It involves diverse rituals. The first ritual in Theyyam is ‘Adayalam Kodukkal’, which involve scheduling the date for Theyyam and preparing the artist to don the costume. The artist performing Theyyam observes vrutham (vow) for one to seven days. Theyyam is performed at “Kaavu” (sacred groves) and other places once a year. The Theyyam that exists in modern times are village sights that proclaim the continuity of customs and cultural vibrancy.
You have read about the customs related to the performance of Theyyam. What are they?
Answer:

• The first ritual in Theyyam is ‘Adayalam Kodukkal’, which involve scheduling the date for Theyyam and preparing the artist to don the costume.
• The artist performing Theyyam observes vrutham (vow) for one to seven days.
• Theyyam is performed at “Kaavu’” (sacred groves) and other places once a year.
• The Theyyam that exists in modem times are village sights that proclaim the continuity of customs and cultural vibrancy.

Question 19.
Conduct an interview (online or offline) with traditional artists to learn more about customary arts like Theyyam. Prepare an interview questionnaire with the help of your teacher.

• Can you please introduce yourself and tell us which traditional or customary art you practice?
• What is the history or origin of this art form? Why is it important to your culture or community?
• What challenges do traditional artists face today?
• What materials or instruments do you use while performing or creating this art?
  (Example: costumes, instmments, colors, clay, thread, etc.)
• How do people in your village or city respond to your art? Are they still interested?
• Do you teach this art to the younger generation? Are today’s children interested in learning it?
• What message would you like to give to students like us about preserving traditional arts?

Question 20.
Complete the concept map by identifying, to which cultural feature given indicators are related to.
Indicators:
• Customs of Padayani
• Event Management
• Athappookkalam
• White signifying peace
• All sections of people having Onam feast together.

Answer:

Question 21.
A menu of various food items is given in the picture. Which of these are non-Kerala dishes?

Answer:
Naan, Al Faham, Manthi, Puri Masala, Chicken Tandoori, Paneer butter masala, Egg Noodles, Vegetable sandwich.

Question 22.
Find out more examples of acculturation.
Answer:

• Language Influence
• Living in Another Region
• Dress style mixing
• Celebrating Different Festivals

Question 23.

You have read about Vinu’s experience of moving from Kerala to Australia for work. What all aspects of the local culture did Vinu and family have to accept?
Answer:

• Climate
• Language
• Social practices
• Food habits
• Cultural practices

Question 24.
Prepare a script for a story that illustrates acculturation and cultural assimilation, and present it as a role play in the class.
Answer:
Title: “New Home, New Friends”
Characters:

• Narrator
• Anaya – A girl who moves to a new state
• Amma – Anaya’s mother
• Neha – Anaya’s new friend
• Teacher
• Classmates

(Scene 1: At Home – The Move)
Narrator: This is the story of Anaya, a 10-year-old girl who moved from Kerala to Punjab because of her father’s new job.
Anaya: (packing her things)
I will miss our Onam festival, the banana chips, and wearing kasavu saree!
Amma: Don’t worry, Anaya. We will carry our traditions in our hearts and also leam about the new place.

(Scene 2: First Day at School in Punjab)
Narrator: Anaya joins a new school. She is nervous but curious.
Teacher: Class, this is Anaya. She has come from Kerala. Let’s welcome her!
Classmates: Hi Anaya! Welcome!
Neha: Do you want to play with us during the break?
Anaya: Yes! Thank you!

(Scene 3: Learning and Sharing Cultures)
Narrator: As days passed, Anaya started learning Punjabi words, eating local food like paratha, and enjoying Baisakhi.
Neha: Anaya, do you want to dance with us for Baisakhi celebration?
Anaya: Sure! And I will also show you a simple step from Kerala’s Thiruvathira dance.
Narrator: Anaya kept her own culture but also enjoyed the new culture. This is called acculturation.

(Scene 4: Feeling at Home)
Narrator: After a few months, Anaya became very comfortable with the new place.
Anaya: Amma, I love our Kerala food, but I also love paratha and lassi now!
Amma: That’s nice, dear. You are now part of both cultures.
Narrator: When someone slowly becomes part of a new culture fully, it is called cultural assimilation.

(Scene 5: The School Annual Day)
Narrator: At the school Annual Day…
Teacher: Today, Anaya will perform a mix of Kerala and Punjabi dance!
(Class claps and cheers)
Narrator: Anaya had learned to respect and enjoy both cultures. That’s the beauty of living in a diverse country like India!

Question 25.
Find more examples of how technological progress has driven culturar innovation, collect pictures, and prepare an album/digital album.
Answer:

Question 26.
Arrange the given news headlines related to cultural changes in the table. (Enter the number)
1) Government to build townships for those who lost their homes in natural calamities.
2) Government scheme for kitchen renovation for all BPL families.
3) Malayalis also celebrate Holi by splashing colours
4) Increase in number of Malayalis acquiring foreign citizenship.
5) Guest workers celebrating both Holi and Onam.

Answer:

Culture and Cultural Diversities Questions and Answers Extended Activities

Question 1.
Prepare a collage that reflects the food, dress, and traditions of various cultures.
Answer:

Question 2.
Divide into groups and present a skit based on any festival.
Answer:
Title: “The Diwali Surprise”

Characters:

• Narrator
• Riya – A kind and cheerful girl
• Raju – Riya’s friend, from a poor family
• Riya’s Mom
• Shopkeeper
• Friends (2 or more)
• Neighbour

• (Scene 1: Before Diwali – At Riya’s House)
Narrator: Diwali is coming! Everyone is busy cleaning and decorating their homes.
(Riya is helping her mom clean the house)
Riya: Mom, I’m so excited for Diwali! Lights, sweets, crackers and new clothes!
Riya’s Mom: Yes dear! Let’s buy gifts for your friends too.

• (Scene 2: At the Market)
Narrator: Riya and her mom go to the market.
Shopkeeper: Here are beautiful diyas and sweets!
Riya: Let’s buy an extra box of sweets and a pair of clothes for someone who may need it.
Mom: That’s a lovely idea, Riya!

• (Scene 3: At Raju’s House)
Narrator: Riya visits her friend Raju. His family is not celebrating Diwali as they are poor.
Riya: Raju, why is your house dark? No decorations?
Raju: We don’t have money for diyas or sweets this year. (Riya looks sad but gets an idea)
Riya: Wait here, I’ll be back soon!

• (Scene 4: The Diwali Surprise)
Narrator: Riya brings diyas, sweets, and clothes for Raju and his family.
Riya: Happy Diwali, Raju! Now let’s celebrate together!
Raju: (smiling)Thank you, Riya! This is the best Diwali surprise ever!

• (Scene 5: Diwali Night – Togetherness)
Narrator: All the children gather and light diyas together.
Neighbour: It’s so nice to see everyone happy and sharing the joy of Diwali.
Friends (together): Diwali is the festival of lights and sharing! Let’s always spread kindness!
[THE END]

Question 3.
Organize a cultural festival at school to represent different cultures. Ensure the participation of students from outside Kerala and abroad in the cultural gatherings and discussions.
Answer:
(Hints)
Step 1: Decide a Name and Theme –
Step 2: Form a Student Committee
Step 3: Invite Participants (Students from other states and countries in the school, Parents or local people from different cultures)
Step 4: Plan the Events (Traditional Dress Parade, Food Comer, Drama or Skit based on folk tales, etc)
Step 5: Conduct the Festival

Culture and Cultural Diversities Class 6 Notes Pdf

Std 6 Social Science Culture and Cultural Diversities Notes

• Culture is something we inherit traditionally as members of society.
• All the achievements of humanity can be termed as culture.
• Art, music, literature, philosophy, religion, science and so on are all different components of culture.
• Culture has material and non-material components.
• Features of Culture are:
  • Culture is Learnt
  • Culture is Shared
  • Culture is Symbolic
  • Culture is Dynamic
  • Culture is Customary
• Socialisation is the learning process through which we leam how to behave and interact within.the society we live in.
• Cultural changes means the transformation that happens in both material and non-material elements of culture across time.
• Acculturation, cultural assimilation, and cultural diffusion are Internal factors that cause cultural changes.
• Cultural Innovations and Environmental Changes are external factors that cause cultural changes.

INTRODUCTION

Culture is a dynamic and integral part of human life. Culture shapes a society. The beauty and the goodness of social life lies in the coexistence of people from diverse cultures. Therefore, it is essential to respect and tolerate different cultures and promote cultural harmony. In a country like India, people from different regions follow different ways of living, which makes our culture very rich and colorful. Even though we have many differences, we live together in peace and respect each other’s traditions. This chapter helps us understand the meaning of culture, the types of cultural practices in India, and how unity is maintained in such great diversity.

FEATURES OF CULTURE
a) Culture is Learnt
Culture is not something, that is innate, we acquire culture through the process of socialisation that happens through interactions with family, school, peers, and society. We learn how to respect elders usually from our family. How to behave in society is learnt from family, school, peers, and the society. Culture plays an important role in shaping society and individuals. Enculturation is an individual’s learning and habitualising their own culture.

b) Culture is Shared
Common traditions foster a sense of unity and social participation. Culture is collectively received and transmitted through food and celebrations. In this manner, culture is shared among members of society.

c) Culture is Symbolic
National Anthem, National Flag, patriotic songs and so on evoke a feeling of nationalism in us. Nationalism represents patriotism and national unity. Similarly, symbols such as language, gestures (like folding hands when meeting adults or guests), and objects (such as monuments and religious symbols) are used to indicate culture. These symbols help in nurturing culture and values.

d) Culture is Dynamic
Marriage is a social gathering where everyone including relatives, friends, and natives participate. With the development of modern technology, ceremonies like marriages are undergoing vast changes. As part of the extravaganza connected with marriage, lots of new employment sectors developed and many people are getting employments. Marriages have changed from simple customs to complex and expensive celebrations. Many traditional marriage customs are still followed with changes. This shows how culture undergoes changes incorporating tradition and modernity at the same time.

e) Culture is Customary
Several ritualistic arts like Theyyam showcase the rich cultural tradition of Kerala. Similarly, there are many traditional customs in our society. They are transmitted from ancestors to new generations.

Socialisation

• Socialisation is the learning process through which we learn how to behave and interact within the society we live in.
• It begins at birth and continues throughout our lives.
• Family, education, peers, media and so on are factors that help in the socialisation process.

“Mile sur mera tumhara, tho sur bane hamara
Sur kee nadhiyaan bar disha se, behthe saagar mein milem ”

These are a few lines of the song beginning with ‘Mile Sur Mera’ which was composed in 1988 to strengthen the national unity of India. The song is composed of lyrics in different languages emphasising the concept of’unity in diversity’. Just as different rivers merge into a single ocean when diverse people, cultures and ideas come together, they create a beautiful unity which reflects the message of this song. This unity is important not only at the individual level but also at the societal level.

CULTURAL CHANGES
Every society has culture. Culture is the guide for the members of society. From time to time, elements of culture undergo changes. The changes that occurred in our diet, clothing, family relationships and education systems are examples of this. Cultural changes means the transformation that happens in both material and non-material elements of culture across time.

INTERNAL FACTORS
Cultural change mainly occurs when one culture come into contact with other cultures. These changes happen mainly in three ways. Acculturation, cultural assimilation, and cultural diffusion happen due to the influence of internal factors within a society:

a) Cultural Diffusion
Cultural diffusion refers to the spread of unique aspects of one culture into another. This happens when different cultures interact with each other. This diffusion can happen from one culture to another and vice versa. As the number of guest workers in Kerala increased, their food items also became widely available here. Examples are panipuri, paneer tikka, and dal makhani. Similar changes can be observed in clothing, language and festivals too. Cultural diffusion occurs when different cultures interact in a friendly manner.

b) Acculturation
Learning another culture is acculturation. Partial changes to one’s own culture happen due to the influence of another culture. At the same time many of its original elements are sustained.

c) Cultural Assimilation
One way of living and culture are assimilated into a dominant culture and way of living. Cultural Assimilation happens when one culture subordinates another culture in this way. Through this, the unique features of one culture are gradually lost and the ways of another culture replace it.

Acculturation and cultural assimilation are cultural changes that occur when different cultures come into contact. But they differ in how individuals accommodate to a dominant culture.

• Acculturation occurs when individuals or groups accommodate to the dominant culture while maintaining their own culture.
Eg: Rithi’s family lives in Kerala and accommodates to the dominant culture of Kerala while maintaining their own cultural practices.

• Cultural assimilation happens when individuals or groups are completely absorbed into the dominant culture.
Eg: Vinu and family changed from their own culture and fully assimilated the dominant culture of Australia.

EXTERNAL FACTORS
a) Cultural Innovation and Cultural Change
With the development of technology the design of stoves and cooking methods have changed. This influenced our food culture significantly. Developments in technology lead to cultural innovations. Online systems are used more to purchase food today.
Eg: Various types of cooking stoves.

b) Environmental Changes and Cultural Changes
Changes in the environment reflect in human life. Landslides, droughts, floods, and rising sea levels often create situations that force people to leave their native place and move elsewhere. This changes their daily lives. Thus, environmental factors like natural disasters and climate change can bring about significant cultural changes.