Which term encompasses beliefs, customs, values, and attitudes transferred through arts, education, literature and language?

• A. Dialects
• B. Pidgin
• C. Culture
• D. Linguistic determinism

Answer: (C)

Culture is the system of shared beliefs, customs, values, and attitudes that a group holds and passes along through arts, education, literature, and language. These channels carry stories, rituals, norms, and ways of thinking that shape how people live and interact across generations. In ESOL contexts, recognizing students’ cultural backgrounds helps you understand their perspectives and how they approach learning, guiding you to design more relatable and respectful instruction. Dialects are language varieties within a culture, not the whole cultural system. A pidgin is a simplified contact language, not a complete set of beliefs and practices. Linguistic determinism is about language influencing thought, not about the broader culture itself.