After looking at some great definitions of culture, here are some even shorter definitions. This time in one word only. These are answers from Cross-Cultural Twitter Interviews of the people I recommend you follow on Twitter for cross-cultural and international insights. These Twitter interviews are carried out in the spirit of having fun, so these one word definitions are not to be taken too seriously.

Of course, it’s difficult to come up with a definition of culture that resonates with everyone.  And it’s impossible to come up with a one word definition that appeals to everyone. This is part of the fun and depends on what you see in this one word.  But I do think this exercise helps us to see “culture” from different perspectives and broadens our understanding of how others perceive culture.

This is why I like combining several one word definitions and coming up with different associations to come up with a variety of different meanings.  This helps me to broaden my own understanding of culture.

One of the responses on Twitter was: Culture is Zappos.  Of course, this isn’t the best definition, but it certainly got me thinking.

21 Definitiions Of Culture… In One Word

1. Culture is reflection - @matthewbennett
2. Culture is a CODE - @deborahswallow
3. Culture is Life - @ohh_la_la
4. Culture is communication - @HoeferleConsult
5. Culture is values - @dkiernan
6. Culture is creativity - @transdomo
7. Culture is relative - @culturematters
8. Culture is infrastructure – @tdebaillon
9. Culture is communication – @DR4Ward
10. Culture is awareness – @XCulture
11. Culture is us – @jackyan
12. Culture is vital – @CotterHUE
13. Culture is life – @DoreenatDMS
14. Culture is identity – @pocketcultures
15. Culture is language – @psitutor
16. Culture is ethos – @culturalrealms
17. Culture is strength – @mintblogger
18. Culture is sense-of-life – @lyceum
19. Culture is shared/learned – @SeanJamesOliver
20. Culture is interesting – @DavidComp
21. Culture is perspective – @CateBrubaker

What Is Your 1-Word Definition Of Culture?

Which definition do you like most?

• Do you have a favorite?
• Does one stand out and resonate with you?
• Do you have another one to add?

What do you think? Please share your thoughts and comments below.

Photos from Shutterstock.

  Filed under: Cross-Cultural Communication

Cindy King

Comments

• BizSugar.com · 27 February, 2010 · 

  21 Definitions Of Culture In One Word…

  How would you describe culture in one word? Here are some great definitions of culture taken from Cross-Cultural Twitter Interviews of cross-cultural and international people on Twitter…

• 

  Fiorenza · 27 February, 2010 · 

  Culture is a product of what you have been taught but it turns into a process if you keep on learning

  • 

    Cindy King · 28 February, 2010 · 

    Hi Fiorenza! I really like the notion of culture being a process. I’m going to have fun turning this one around a bit. Thanks for sharing! Cindy

• 

  Tibor Shanto · 27 February, 2010 · 

  Hi Cindy,

  I think they are good, one I would add culture is personal.

  Tibor
  .-= Tibor Shanto´s last blog ..Saturday Sales Tip – 9 =-.

  • 

    Cindy King · 28 February, 2010 · 

    Hi Tibor, I love this one! Thanks for sharing! Cindy

• 

  Martin Lindeskog · 28 February, 2010 · 

  Cindy,

  Thanks for including my 1-word definition of culture. I am a fan of the American sense-of-life. It has been developed through the history from ancient Greece and then the renaissance in Italy. It is important that we support the new rational intellectuals in the United States of America, otherwise the culture could go in the wrong direction. I recommend you to read Dr. Leonard Peikoff’s book, The Ominous Parallels: A Brilliant Study of America Today – and the ‘ominous parallels’ with the chaos of pre-Hitler Germany.

  Have you seen the HBO miniseries, John Adams?

  Best Premises,

  Martin
  .-= Martin Lindeskog´s last blog ..Three Keywords for Bloggers in 2010 =-.

  • 

    Cindy King · 28 February, 2010 · 

    Hi Martin, Thanks for all of the book recommendations! I grew up very close to the United States, without being American. I was often told that this is an advantage for seeing the “big nations” through untainted glasses. I guess I should write a book myself some day.

• 

  Bill Rice · 2 March, 2010 · 

  My favorite is: Culture is perspective – @CateBrubaker

  I haven’t done much International sales and marketing, but I have to think this is critical to being effective in any International business endeavor (or political).
  .-= Bill Rice´s last blog ..What is Social Media Monitoring? 5 Steps to Listening Efficiently. =-.

  • 

    Cindy King · 3 March, 2010 · 

    Hi Bill, I really like “Culture is perspective” too. The ability to understand different perspectives is so important. Thanks for stopping by! Cindy

• 

  Randy · 4 March, 2010 · 

  I agree with “Culture is identity”. But for me, “Culture is character” makes better sense. Interesting post!
  .-= Randy´s last blog ..How to Increase Email Open Rates =-.

  • 

    Cindy King · 5 March, 2010 · 

    Hi Randy, thanks for adding “Culture is character” – this is a good one!