David Colrado, a cultural anthropologist and a lecturer at the University of Cape Town, is delivering a lecture on the characteristics of culture to his students. He explains the fundamental attribut?

es of culture as follows:

1. Culture is learned: Culture is not something that we are born with, but rather something that is acquired through socialization and interaction with others in our society. We learn cultural norms, values, beliefs, and practices from our families, communities, and institutions.

2. Culture is shared: Culture is a collective phenomenon that is shared by members of a particular group or society. It provides a sense of identity and belonging, as well as a framework for understanding the world and interacting with others.

3. Culture is symbolic: Culture is expressed through symbols, such as language, art, rituals, and customs. These symbols convey meaning and help to communicate shared values and beliefs within a culture.

4. Culture is adaptive: Culture is not static, but rather dynamic and constantly evolving. It changes over time in response to internal and external influences, such as technological advancements, migration, and globalization.

5. Culture is integrated: Culture is a complex system of interconnected beliefs, values, norms, and practices that shape the way individuals and groups behave and interact. It provides a framework for understanding the world and guiding social behavior.

By understanding these fundamental characteristics of culture, we can gain insight into the diversity and complexity of human societies and the ways in which culture shapes our lives and identities.