Culture exchange is a great way to get your students interested in the different cultures that exist around the world. It also helps them learn how to interact with people from other cultures. This is especially important in a multicultural campus like the University of North Texas.
Music opened people up
The great thing about music is that it allows people from all walks of life to interact and exchange ideas in a more meaningful and personal way than they can in a traditional setting. One example is the evolution of the Mbira, a traditional African instrument. It has been recast in the form of a chimurenga, an indigenous Zimbabwean musical instrument, in order to address a societal gap that has long plagued its ancestors.
The best thing about music is that it also serves as a reminder of our heritage. It is also a means to promote creativity and problem solving skills. This is most evident when we think about how music is used as a form of protest against racial segregation. A well-known example is the Agbekor, a funeral ritual performed by Ewe people.
Native American dress
Native American dress is an important part of their culture. It is used for ceremonial purposes and sometimes worn for social occasions. Some of the items may include headdresses, tassels, feathers, and fringe.
Many designers of Native American dress are integrating modern fashion with traditional elements. They may include materials such as quillwork or beadwork. Some may choose not to incorporate these materials.
Another element of Native American dress is the beadwork. The use of beadwork can expand awareness of a specific culture. If credit is given for the work, the benefits are multiplied.
One example of cultural appropriation is when a non-Native designer creates a piece of clothing that incorporates symbols of a Native American tradition. While this practice can be seen as a positive, it can also be considered a negative.
Dia de los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors deceased family members and friends. People decorate grave sites and make offerings for the departed. A common offering is Pan de Muerto, which is bread made in human or animal form. Other offerings include flowers, sweets, tamales, and photographs of departed family members.
While it is a cultural tradition in Mexico, many in the United States have never heard of the holiday. As a result, it’s important to educate your students about the history and meaning of the holiday. You can also use the holiday to teach your students about their ancestral traditions.
The first known celebrations of the holiday occurred thousands of years ago by indigenous peoples of Central America. During those times, the dead were believed to travel to a place called Mictlan. They also believed that souls continued to live after death.
UNT Korean Culture Exchange
The Korean Culture Exchange (KCE) is one of the largest on-campus student groups in the country. Although headquartered on the UNT campus, the organization has a broader reach and a more diversified membership base. The organization is a multi-disciplinary endeavor comprised of students and faculty representing a variety of majors and departments. It has an active board of directors that oversees all aspects of the organization. It is also a well-funded organization that has a well-developed infrastructure and a robust training program. The organization is an outgrowth of the UNT’s Center for Global Education (CGE) and boasts an impressive alumni list.
The UNT Korean Culture Exchange was started in 2011, and is helmed by a seasoned team of students with a knack for innovation. The organization is highly regarded as a model of collaboration and teamwork. The organization has several programs and events that promote a true multi-cultural environment and encourage students to learn and appreciate the diversity of life on the UNT campus.
Institute for Cultural Partnerships
The Institute for Cultural Partnerships works with both public and private sector agencies to promote mutual respect and understanding through culture exchanges. It operates out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and maintains a broad range of contacts with the arts industry.
The Institute’s primary activity is the co-production of arts works with professional artists from underdeveloped countries. Recent projects include projects supporting social cohesion and tolerance, freedom of expression, and cultural rights. They also support creative industries, tourism, and cultural heritage rehabilitation.
The Institute is also the lead organization for a series of high-quality exhibition projects. Its online media channels make its activities accessible to the general public. They also provide audiovisual documentation of cultural exchanges.
The International Partnership Initiative, which is part of IA&A’s Cultural Exchange Programs, is a forum for discussion on cross-cultural issues. The working group has brought together scholars and activists from around a dozen nations. It envisions a legal framework for sharing connected knowledge in a responsible way.