Latin-American Studies

Cultural awareness refers to the knowledge of nurtured behavior through social transmission in a society. The culture of a society is characterized in their way of life through its art, language, thoughts, social activities, and spirituality, physical and social interactions between members of that society.

Different societies have different cultures that are unique from each other. The present way of life, draws a lot of foundations from culture of a society. In South America for instance, their culture may be similar across nations however historical events has shaped the culture of individual nations differently.

For instance, a country like Venezuela has been described as a fascinating country rich in culture and diversity and yet has one of the most stable national identities among the South American states. The name Venezuela was coined by its colonizers (Spanish) from original name Venice which was given to it by one of the Christopher Columbus voyagers named Ojeda in 1499. The country population is composed of indigenous populations who have intermingled with Spaniards, African, Latin American and other European immigrants. The demographic distribution classifies these populations into four major groups. The mestizos or pardos who comprise of up to 67 , the European 21 , the black 10 , Indians 2 , but there is a tendency of a localized distribution in all these groups (Hewa, 12).

The official language in Venezuela is Spanish. Being a former colony of Spain, the language has continued to have a common use in official transactions. English is however acquiring momentum as the second official language due to the international integration and interaction of the country with other nations where English is widely accepted as an international language for business and cultural purposes (McCoy, Smith, 45). This momentum has even infiltrated into classroom level where some schools are using English as a blend in a bilingual curriculum.

Social relation between members of society is deeply influenced by the social stratification of caste system. Even though the caste does not receive an official recognition, the system has placed most of the political and economic influence in the hands of a few elites. This top caste of elites is made up of long-established white population which puts members of European ancestry at a greater opportunity to control the economy of the state. On the other hand, this system places other members especially immigrants from African, Latin America, and Indian origin at a helpless position due to this racial and color division. However, this stratification has not gone without adverse effects like the social crisis which were experienced in 1990s.

Venezuelans are known to have pride in their country and traditions. The national flag is a strong identity of this republic which is held with respect and high admiration. Simon Bolivar is widely recognized as a national figure for his roots in Venezuela. He is accredited for his heroic deeds that led to liberation of South America. His actions are comparable to those of George Washington of United States of America. The country has four public holidays during which the national flag is flown outside all public buildings and public houses. Public parades are also held during commemoration of independence and pubic holidays. The Bolivars birthday is celebrated on July 24th, independence day on June 24th, and the day of the race on October 12th. Venezuelans are fun loving people and among their most celebrated festivals is the carnival. Among the costal settlements, this celebration entails wide-ranging series of parties with a lot of drinking, parade dancing with drums (Harold, 23). At this time, dancers are known to wear sexy costumes and employ seductive dancing styles.

Over 90  of total populations of Venezuela are Roman Catholics. However, other regions are still gaining popularity. The constitution guarantees freedom of worship. This has allowed some indigenous people to continue practicing their traditional ways of worship. Many Venezuelans are however known to practice a symbiotic religious practice referred to as Culto of Maria Lonza. She is usually portrayed as a witch or healer with a company of a black henchman and an Indian chief. The three are known to as the Three Powers. There is also a wide fellowship of Dr. Jose Gregorio Fernandez who was a catholic priest and was miraculous healer. He used to operate and heal native people while they were asleep which created a wide following. There exists a notable number of people who follow Jewish religion, and other members of Islamic faith.

The religious rituals and cultures are guided by the faiths of a population. With most of the people following Roman Catholic faith, most of the religious rituals are held during church masses on Sundays. However, the rituals connected to the Maria Lonza engage the chief practitioners falling into stupor through rhythmic music, dancing, drinking of rum, and painting their bodies using dyes of different colors (Canache, 42). During these rituals the practitioners foretells what is in the present and the future of a requester.

National culture has received full support of the state through arts. The government has been avid in supporting music and literature as a vessel that has a great strength in promoting and preserving culture. In Caracas for example, there is a symphony orchestra that receives full public financing. The orchestra plays classical genres and mostly the nationalistic tunes of joropos. The government has strived to preserve the national heritage of Venezuela by helping to maintain a number of Museums which houses natural artistic productions. Among them there is the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Colonial Art which preserves the past heritage for future generations. In the field of performing arts, Venezuela is the home to one of the top salsa music bands in the world under the leadership of Oscar DLeon even Mariah Carey is known to have roots in Venezuela.

In terms of etiquette, Venezuelans interact freely which is clearly portrayed in their extroverted manner which makes them very social and outgoing people. They converse loudly and openly. Their customary mode of greeting for men of equal status is composed of a strong handshake. In most cases it is not hard to find women giving kisses on the cheek when greeting each other. Use of body language and gestures is also very common when one is making a point. Some common sign languages are not acceptable such as pointing someone using a finger is re4garded as an impolite and offensive way of reference (Hewa, 16). It is advisable for one to point another person using his mouth.  

In conclusion, the social stratification has played a big role in determining the relationship between members of Venezuela in public arena. The government has taken a big role in conserving and increasing awareness of its culture among the citizens. Being a less formal society, it holds a high level of freeness during communication. The society has a high regard for social morals and better understanding of their culture is very essential for one to feel comfortable within Venezuelan population.