Every country has its own unique culture, consisting of languages, beliefs, values, the arts, and norms or acceptable behaviors. The people there grow up with these elements of culture, and that culture becomes a part of them. The language and culture are intrinsically tied together, so I figured I would compare and contrast a few South American countries with similar, yet different, cultures and languages.
Although there are similar elements of culture in South American countries, such as language and religion, each country has developed a distinct flavor. Often cultures grow out of two or more previously existing ones, and this is true for South American countries discussed here. While Spanish is the dominant language, other languages, as well as previous civilizations, have helped shape what the country is today.
In Argentina, culture began with Spain’s conquest in the 16th century. There were few indigenous people, and they largely died from European diseases, so the cultural influences in Argentina are mostly European. Spanish is the chief language spoken in Argentina, although European immigrants speak 39 other languages. Most Argentinians are Catholic, but there is freedom of religion. There are many powerful families in Argentina, and this has influenced Argentinian arts, because writers have debated whether the influential families or a strong central government should rule. Argentinians tend to dress well and be formal in their manners.
In Peru, culture grew out of the Incan empire and the Spanish conquest. So now Spanish is spoken there, but Quechua, which the Incas spoke, is also an official language. About 96% of Peruvians are Catholic, but the descendants of the Incas have revived ancient ceremonies such as the Festival of the Sun. Art in Peru is largely influenced by Incan culture, and architecture is a mix of Spanish and Incan. Because the mountainous geography separates people in Peru, elements of culture there are often different. People in the cities tend to wear Western dress, but people in the country still wear traditional dress and farm traditional ways.
Venezuelan culture has evolved from indigenous, Spanish, and African elements of culture. Spanish is the official language, but 25 indigenous languages with strong African influences are spoken. More than 90% of Venezuelans are Catholic, but some people practice traditional religions. Indigenous music and dancing are popular, and are often performed at Christmas. Venezuelans live mainly on the coast, and people of indigenous, African, and Spanish ancestry live peacefully together for the most part. Venezuelans are very appearance-minded; they value beauty and love beauty contests. They also take pride in their hospitality.
Photo Credit: deptfordjon.
Colombian culture, as in many other South American countries, grew out of the Spanish conquest. The official language is Spanish, but about 500,000 people speak indigenous languages. Columbia is 90% Catholic, and the church is influential, but all religions are welcome. Colombian painting and sculpture are inspired by both traditional artwork and the rugged landscape, and the Colombians like folk art, especially basket weaving. There are also many churches that represent architecture of the colonial era. Colombians value the family and have great respect for their older relatives; they ask them for advice, and older people are served first at meals.
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