ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the notion of culture and relates it to international differences in interpersonal communication. It examines different uses of the term, from 'popular culture' to 'anthropological views of culture'. Culture, and an understanding of it, is an essential part of nursing, particularly in multicultural societies such as the UK. A debate among anthropologists has concerned the appropriateness and ability of a person from outside a culture to enter that culture and really understand it. In Linton's terms, the culture of society is the way of life of its members: the collection of ideas and habits which they learn, share and transmit from generation to generation. In a 'foreign' culture, one is first of all aware of one's cultural difference rather than one's personal difference. For every 'cultural rule' there would seem to be exceptions, and an attempt to pinpoint a given moment in culture therefore seems problematic.
