The word culture, from the Latin colo, -ere, with its root meaning "to cultivate", generally refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activity significance. Different definitions of "culture" reflect different theoretical bases for understanding, or criteria for evaluating, human activity. Anthropologists most commonly use the term "culture" to refer to the universal human capacity to classify, codify and communicate their experiences symbolically. This capacity is long been taken as a defining feature of the genus Homo. However, primatologists such as Jane Goodall have identified aspects of culture among our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.Goodall, J. 1986. The Chimpanzees of Gombe: Patterns of Behavior.

Defining "culture"

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NYT > U.S.

In Reversal, New Orleans Lets Residents Return
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:09:52 -0000
As people began trickling back to the city, utility officials gave no word on when electricity would be restored.
Palin Assails Critics and Electrifies Party
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:51:00 -0000
Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska sought to wrest back the narrative of her life as she introduced herself to a roaring crowd at the Republican National Convention.
Damaged Power Lines Blamed for Wildfires
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:32:57 -0000
A report blamed two companies for some of the most devastating wildfires in Southern California last year.

Christian Science Monitor | Top Stories

Gustav holdouts' tales give evacuees pause
Their experiences could provide valuable lessons about evacuation versus staying put.
Reported U.S. attack upsets Pakistan
US forces may have sent in ground troops for the first time Wednesday. Were they targetting a top Taliban or Al Qaeda figure?
This round, Pentagon may keep General Petraeus offstage
As his next report on troop levels nears, senior officers aren't sure they'll agree.

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