ABSTRACT
This chapter explores ideas or assumptions about the fundamental nature of culture and linguistic and cultural socialization. It does not aim to provide the definitive interpretation of culture, rather it draws attention to various elements that merit our attention. Drawing on literature from a broad range of disciplines, we explore the following facets of the culture concept: culture as learned; culture as shared (group membership); culture as relative; culture as dynamic and mediated; culture as individual, fragmentary and imaginary, culture as contested; and culture as communication. Each perspective provides a focus for thinking about culture, language and intercultural communication.
