L2 Cultural Relativism, Ethnocentrism, and Universalism

What is cultural relativism?

• The belief that one's own culture is superior to others

• The idea that a person's beliefs and activities should be understood based on that person's own culture

• The belief in universal principles that apply to all human beings

• The practice of judging other cultures using one's own cultural norms

Which perspective suggests that no culture is superior to another?

• Ethnocentrism

• Cultural relativism

• Universalism

• Cultural superiority

What is a potential negative outcome of ethnocentrism?

• Promotes cultural diversity

• Encourages open-mindedness

• Leads to misunderstanding and conflict

• Fosters mutual respect

What does universalism emphasize?

• Cultural superiority

• Universal principles applicable to all humans

• Judging cultures by one's own standards

• Cultural diversity

How can universalism clash with cultural relativism?

• By promoting cultural superiority

• By enforcing universal standards that conflict with cultural practices

• By encouraging ethnocentrism

• By ignoring cultural differences