Effects Of Globalization On Culture

Globalisation and its effects on culture are very evident in our world today. Globalisation is the process whereby the world becomes increasingly interconnected as a result of the exchange of cultures and trade among countries (bbc.co.uk). When these customs are shared with other countries, the traditional customs of the people in these countries may be affected. What then, is culture? Culture is a term which refers to “the characteristics of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts” (livescience.com). Hence, globalisation affects aspects of culture like dressing, food and language.

Cultural ways of dressing like the Indian saris and the Japanese kimono are affected

With the increase in multi-national trading, countries are able to have access to various spices and seasonal crops from other countries. Traditional food recipes can hence be infused with other foreign flavours. One adaptation of traditional food is fusion cooking. In fusion cooking, the original recipe’s ingredients are exchanged for ingredients from other countries. Another approach to fusion cooking is the combination of cuisine from various cultures (McMahon). For example, Wasabi Mash Potatoes (Tachibe) are a combination of American mash potatoes and Japanese wasabi. This recipe satisfies both American and Japanese taste buds and exposes them to the other countries food. Globalisation thus creates a platform for the sharing and integration of food. From this, new appetising flavours are discovered. However, globalisation also has negative effects on traditional food. In Asian countries like Japan and China, a traditional meal typically consists of rice and side dishes. With the influence of globalisation, fast food chains and convenience stores have sprung up all over these countries, changing the way food is eaten there. For many in the working class, it is more convenient to purchase an instant meal when on the go instead of eating in a restaurant. While this might provide quick accommodation for the buyer, it changes his or her attitude

Every year, many are lost or slowly going extinct. In an increasingly interconnected world, many are trading their traditional languages for more popular languages like English, Spanish or Chinese (Infoplease.com). One reason for this change is because these languages are more widely used globally. Native speakers of tribal languages end up losing an important part of their culture when they give up a language. Federico Frellini once said “A different language is a different vision of life”. Indeed, some terms expressed in one language do not necessarily exist in another. Hence, when these traditional languages become nonexistent, certain aspects of the cultures are lost as well. Globalisation has both positive and negative effects on culture. While it creates a platform for the sharing of food and fashion, it also takes away elements of a person’s cultural identity like ideas composed in language. Evidently, it changes the way people view their own culture as well as that of others. Culture may be influenced or lost through globalisation but it can also be shared and adapted. Hence, globalisation plays an important role in shaping culture.