There seem to be endless possibilities to define the term "culture". In fact, there are over 300 definitions of culture available. However, many people mistake "culture" for "custom and traditions." Many thai peoplehave no idea how enormous the scope of this very term is. When they are asked to define "culture", they usally cannot respond with the best possible definition because answers like this cannot be simplified to three or four words. Brogger (1992), in speaking of the definition of culture, says that some anthropologists define culture so as to make it signify astual behavior, others make it represent material artifacts and products and yet others so as to make it designate people's view of the world, whereas many Anglo American definations in the first half of this century tended to conceive of culture as empirically observable features such as bobits, customs, and artifacts. Numerous post-World War II definitions see it in terms of the ideas and values shared by the members of a society as a social group.
Defining "culture" might be one of the most difficult questions to ask Thais. It is no surprissing to hear many Thais ceremonies, Thais answering with something about Thai food, Thai national costume, THai ceremonies, THai festivals, eyc. Obviously, many people in this country see culture in bits and pieces rather than a complex whole of inseparable bits. Many times "Culture" is linked to the tourism business. Discuss with your classmates and your instructor what causes Thai people to understand "culture" in the way that they do.