03 Multicultural Society

Introduction
People belonging to different races, and different religions and people
who speak different languages may live in one country. A society consisting of
such different groups is called a multicultural society.

By studying this chapter you will be able to understand:

² factors that cause for emerging multicultural societies
² qualities that should be practised as a citizen of a multicultural society
² how a peaceful society with minimum conflicts can be established

A conversation that took place among the students of grade eight during the
Citizenship Education period is given below. Read and understand it well.

Januda ( Culture is the way how we live, wear and behave, isn't it?
Deqni ( Not only that, culture includes the way we speak, eat, and all our
activities related to it. Every element developed by our ancestors
belongs to it.
Chenethu ( What are those elements?
Fathima ( Stupas, temples, artistic creations, tanks and anicuts, kovils,
churches are some of those elements. Don’t you remember, we
learned them when we were in grade 7?
Ansar ( Well, now let's write a definition on culture.
Devi ( Culture means all the activities in life style, clothing, behaving,
communicating, and worshipping. In addition, it includes arts and
crafts, traditions and customs...

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 Dewni ( Culture is the device that guides all our activities from being
behind us.
Devi ( It controls us with or without our knowledge. doesn't it?
Ansar ( We all have a particular culture. It can differ from region to
region, religion to religion, and race to race. but every human
being on this earth has a culture.
Teacher ( I feel a great sense of pleasure about the things children in my
class know about culture. Actually, when I heard what you said
about the culture, I have almost nothing to teach you.

Culture
A man behaves according to a culture from his cradle to grave. Therefore,
culture is the main force that directs any society forward. No person can be in
isolation without a culture.
The term —culture ˜ has been defined by different anthropologists in different
ways. Two of those definitions are given below:

Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law,
customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by a human as a member
of society.
E.B.Tylor (Primary Culture)

Culture is the way of collective living of people who are in a particular area.
Rituals, customs, habits, morals, social institutions, arts and religion depict their
culture.

Prof. Wimal Dissanayake (Critiques)

A simple definition derived from the above definitions and the conversation
of the students of Grade 8 is given below:

Culture is the totality of whole, acquired by man on knowledge, beliefs,

customs, arts and livelihood.

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 Cultural elements
Multiculture

Fathima ( Januda, what is meant by the term multiculture?

Januda ( People belonging to different races live in one country. They
observe different religions, speak different languages and
follow different customs and rituals. Such a society is called a
plural or multicultural society.
Dewni ( Shall I give a simple example? Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and
Burgher communities live in Sri Lanka. Buddhists, Christians,
Hindus, Islam as well as those who speak Sinhala, Tamil and
English also live in this country. Therefore, ours is a
multicultural society and a multicultural country as well.
Ansar ( Yes, That diversity is known as cultural diversity.
Dewi ( However, there are differences among those cultures, aren't
there? Most of the countries such as United States of America,
and India are countries with multicultural societies. There are
many races as well as social groups speaking different languages
and observing different religions in those countries.

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 Most of the countries in modern world can be regarded as multicultural societies.
Every citizen in such societies must work with mutual trust and collective
conscience.

Some of the examples for countries with multicultural societies are as follows:

Sri Lanka

India

United States of America

Britain

Activity
² Construct a simple definition on culture, through the facts you learn about
the culture. Discuss with the other students about that definition.

Multicultural Society
A society with multicultural characteristics
is known as a multicultural society. In such a
society, all those who speak different languages,
observe different religions and follow different
customs should work together. It minimizes
conflicts and enhances cooperativeness. It builds
up a sustainable peace and develops the country.
Since every society in the modern world is
multicultural, we have to develop many qualities
when we live in such a society. As a universal
citizen, you are expected to live in such a society
by improving those qualities.

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Some of those qualities are as follows:

• Respecting all those who belong to every ethnic group

• Safeguarding the rights of the people of all ethnic groups

• Not discriminating any religious or an ethnic group

• Safeguarding the cultural heritages of all religious and ethnic groups

• Listening to the opinions of others and accepting them if they are reasonable

• Fulfilling the duties honestly

Characteristics of a multicultural society

By now you have already understood the fact that a society in which
different races live, different religious groups exist and different traditions follow
is a multicultural society. You can recognize those multicultural features from this
lesson separately.

Existence of different ethnic groups

Different types of ethnic groups live in a multicultural society. Those ethnic
groups are expected to work peacefully and collectively. It is essential for the
existence of a multicultural society. We must think of our country and work as a
nation disregarding racial differences. As an example, we can see that all the people
live in Sri lanka in harmony, disregarding whether they are Sinhalese, Tamils,
Muslims or Burghers.

Various ethnic groups

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Existence of people of different faiths
Another salient feature of a multiethnic society is that the existence of the
people who follow different religions. It is essential to respect one's own religion
as well as that of the others. We should not defame the others' religions. We can
take all the good things from those religions that are helpful to make our lives
successful. We all must determine to continue a mutual co-existence among all
religious communities.

Devotees paying homage in different religious places

Existence of people who speak different languages

Existence of people who speak different languages is another feature in a
multicultural society. It is beneficial to learn other languages as well as one's own
tongue, use those languages where necessary to exchange ideas and consider every
language equally etc. for the betterment of a multicultural society.

Characters (letters) belonging to various languages

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Existence of different customs and traditions
Different customs and traditions can be seen in a multicultural society. Those
customs and rituals are bestowed to the next generation by the culture. Different
customs, and traditions can exist in the same society. It is important to respect and
safeguard them and extract what is good. We should not condemn others' customs
or traditions.

Various customs

Existence of different cultural heritage

Every culture has its own cultural elements. Cultural heritage is the reflection
of our cultural identity. For example, stupas and temples can be identified as the
heritage of Buddhist culture. By safeguarding cultural features, the prestige and the
pride of a country can be exhibited. Protecting and respecting the heritage, will be
helpful to the proper existence of a multicultural society.

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 Various cultural heritages

Cultural diversity of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a multicultural country. Different races, religious groups and
communities speaking different languages live in Sri Lanka.
Following table indicates the population of the country according to ethnicity and
religions:

Ethnicity Population Percentage Religion Population Percentage

Sinhala 15"173"820 74'9 Buddhist 14"222"844 70'2
Tamil 2"270"924 11'2 Hindu 2"554"606" 12'6
Muslim 842"323 4'1 Islam 1"967"227 9'7
Burgher 1"869"820 9'2 Catholic/ 150"906 7'4
Christian
Other 106"836 0'5 Other 9"440 0'1

Teacher-in-charge of Citizenship Education in grade 8 of Namal Yaya Maha

Vidyalaya advised the students to observe the above table carefully. After that, she
posed the following questions on a task sheet.

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  Different communities in Sri Lanka
 Different religious groups in Sri Lanka.

A conversation that took place in relation to this task sheet is given below:

Ansar :- Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and Malay communities live

in our country.

Narmadha :- Not only that, people from many other countries also live in our
country.

Chenethu :- Religious groups such as Buddhists, Hindus, Islam, Catholics

and Christians also live here.

Ansar :- Yes, That’s true. There can be people who believe in other religions
as well.

Devni :- There are people who speak Sinhala, Tamil and English.

Ansar :- Sri Lanka is a multiracial and multireligious country with

people who speak different languages. Hence, Sri Lanka is a
multicultural country.

Narmada :- Diversity of Sri Lankan culture can be explained in association

with languages, religions, customs and cultural heritage.

Chenethu :- I can give another idea according to this table. People who belong
to one ethnic group can follow different religions. For example
Sinhalese follow Catholicism and Christianity.

Activity

² Name few places worshipped by all ethnic and religious communities

in Sri Lanka in common.
² Mention three duties to be fulfilled by us as the citizens of a
multicultural society.

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Different cultural traditions, customs and festivals
Different cultures exist in Sri Lanka as it is a multicultural country. There
are many cultural places related to those cultures. The Temple of the Sacred
Tooth Relic, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Katharagama Devalaya, Koneshvaram Devala
in Trincomalee, Nallur Kovil, Madu church, and Davatagaha Mosque are some
of them. Further more, religious festivals and matrimonial customs of different
cultures are examples for cultural elements.

Customs related to different communities

As a multicultural country, three main community groups Sinhalese, Tamils,
and Muslims live in Sri Lanka. Every function performed from one's birth to the
death and even after death are connected with the culture.

Customs are both what we should do or what we should avoid doing.

Customs, traditions and festivals related to different religions and

the importance of them

There are four main religions in Sri Lanka as a multicultural country. They
are Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism/Christianity and Islam. Different rituals
and customs, traditions, and festivals related to those religions are there. The
main cultures of Sri Lanka have been built on the basis of religions. Customs and
festivals related to those cultures have been built on the basis of religious objectives.
Following are the cultures based on religions in our country.

• Buddhist culture
• Hindu culture
• Christian/Catholic culture
• Islam culture

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Buddhist culture
The Buddhists use Buddhist teachings in
order to build up good life. The doctrine of Lord
Buddha discloses the way for a good life and to
achieve spiritual freedom. Five precepts are the
compulsory precepts to be followed by the laymen.
The custom of the Buddhists is to lead day-to-day
life by doing religious observances appreciating the
qualities of the Buddha. Every aspect of the life of a Vesak festival
Buddhist from the conception to his death, is closely
related to Buddhist culture.

The most important three religious festivals of the

Buddhists are as follows:
• Vesak festival

• Poson festival Poson festival

• Esala festival
Vesak festival is very important for the Buddhists since it is for
commemorating three events of Buddha; the birth, the enlightenment and the
Parinibbana (Demise).
It is believed that the Buddhist mission led by Arahath Mahinda Thero
arrived in Sri Lanka on a Poson full Moon Poya Day. Therefore, the Poson festival
is celebrated by the Buddhists in a grand scale.
After achieving the Great Buddhahood, Lord Buddha preached his first
sermon on a Esala Poya Day. Therefore Esala Festival is one of the prominent
festivals for Buddihists.
Observing Sil by giving priority to worldly and spiritual Poojas, treating
the sick, conducting sermons, organizing Dansalas, (Refectories where free
meals are offered to everybody), giving alms to the needy, erecting pandals, are
commonly done by the Buddhists along with these festivals. In addition to that, Sil
and meditation programmes and other meritorious activities are organized on every
fullmoon poya day.
You may have frequently heard the blessings of people in modern society
such as "May the blessings of Buddha be upon you!’’, " May the triple gems bless
you! " . It is a good nature of a person who values Buddhist culture.

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Hindu culture
Tamils whose religion is Hinduism
perform their religious observances
according to Hindu culture.
The Hindus conduct Poojas for
their gods such as Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha
and goddess Kali. They start their daily
routine after worshipping their gods.
Some of the religious festivals of
the Hindus are as follows:

• Thai-pongal

• Deepavali

• Maha Shivarathri Thai-Pongal and Deepavali

festivals
The Hindus in Sri Lanka perform Hindu religious rituals in different
occasions in their lives. From the conception to the birth of a child and in many
occasions after that, such as, name giving, marriages and funerals customs are
followed according to Hindu culture.

Christian / Catholic culture

Christian and Catholic devotees
celebrate two religious festivals.
• Christmas
• Easter Festival
Christmas is held on 25th of
December in order to celebrate the birth of
Jesus Christ.
Good Friday is for the
commemoration of the Crucifixion and
Easter is for the Resurrection of Jesus
Christ.

Christmas festival

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 Baptize a child and make him a child of God is an important religious
custom of every Catholic/ Christian. Engagements as well as weddings and all
other important occasions are done in church. When a Christian dies, praying for
his soul, and burial are done according to Christian / Catholic culture.
Before performing any important task and as an everyday habit, every
Christian remembers God.

Islamic culture

Islam devotees hold three main

cultural festivals.
• Milad un-Nabi festival
• Ramadan festival (Id-ul-Fitr)
• Haj festival Ramadan/Ramadhan

Giving alms to the poor and beggars

to commemorate the birthday of Mohammed
Nabi is done in Milad un-Nabi festival.
Fasting from the dawn of the day to dusk
continuously for a period of 30 days is a
custom followed during Ramadan period.
At the end of the fasting period, Ramadan
festival is held. Haj/Hajj
Haj festival is held to celebrate
Prophet Mohammed's holy pilgrimage to Macca, the holy land of the Muslims.
Many Muslims from Sri Lanka too, go on Haj pilgrimage. Those who do not go
there, visit the Masjid in their own areas and engage in prayers.
The Muslims are compelled to do everything in their day-to-day life
according to the customs related to Islam culture. It ranges from the conception of
a child to his death. Customs and rituals they perform in the birth of a child as well
as in weddings are examples.

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 Activity
² Organize a field trip to visit a cultural venue of another ethnic or a religious
group in your area or in other areas. Take the guidance and instructions
of your subject teacher for this. Use the task sheet given below: (e.g.:-
Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Madu Church, Nallur Kovil, Red Masjid
in Modara or any other place of your convenience)
² The destination of the trip
² Objectives of the trip
² Things watched/seen there
² Other cultural elements
² Experience you obtained by seeing those cultural elements and by
exchanging ideas.

Other countries where multicultures exist

You already know that many countries in the world have multicultural
societies. Let us discuss the multicultural nature of India and the United State of
America.

India
India is unique among the countries with multicultures in the world. It is an
outstanding feature that the Indian people have been cooperative from the past to
the present as a multicultural society. Influence of Buddhism can be cited as one of
the reasons for that.
Following are some of the information about ethnic and religious
composition of India. It reveals the multiethnic and multicultural nature of Indian
society.
Races Languages Religions
Hindi, Urdu,Tamil,
Tamil, Urdu, Bengali, English, Marathi, Hinduism, Catholicism,
Muslim, Banjara, Malayalam, Panjabi, Islam, Buddhism,
Chakma, Marathi, Munda Thelingu, Gujarati, Shaivism
Kannada, Sanskrit

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 As a multiethnic country, India has taken the following steps to ensure
harmony among different groups:

² Treating all ethnic, religious and Afghanistan

language groups equally.
Nepal Butan
² Using English and Hindi as
official languages (Tamil Nadu Pakistan
state does not accept Hindi as an India
official language.)
² Every citizen having knowledge Bangaladesh
on another language except the
official languages.
² Taking steps to safeguard the
rights and freedom of individuals
to follow their own religion. Maldives
Sri Lanka

With the ethnic, religious and language diversity, India has come forward
in the modern world. The sense of nationalism has grown up among Indians since
all citizens work together ignoring ethnic, religious and language differences. It has
contributed to make India a powerful country in the world.

The United States of America (USA)

The United States of America is also a country with different ethnic, religious
and language groups. It has become a multicultural society since the people who
have migrated from different countries are living there. Moreover, USA has become
one of the most powerful countries in the world as all work collectively with a sense
of cooperativeness.

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 Following information is about the multicultural nature of the United States
of America. Study it carefully.

Ethnic groups Languages Religions

The White, the Black, English, Spanish, Protestant Christians,
Asians, Red Indians, Samoan, Cameroonian, Roman Catholics, other
Alaskans, Hawaiians and Karuk, Hawaiian, Christians, Muslims,
Pacific Islanders Chinese, Vietnamese, Buddhists, Jewish
Korean, German, French,
Russian, Italian

Steps taken by the United States of America to maintain multicultural nature

of the country

• Recognizing English as the official language

• Not recognizing any religion as the state religion

• Granting equal rights for all citizens

• Accepting democracy and working according to it

Cultural identity
Every ethnic, religious and language group has its own special culture. A
particular culture can be distinguished from another through cultural identity. Every
group tries to safeguard its own cultural identity.

e.g. :- Sri Lankan cultural identity

One's own cultural identity

We all have our own unique culture. It is the cultural identity. It is our
duty to safeguard that cultural identity. For example, we all must safeguard cultural
identities of Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim communities and the identities of the Buddhists,
Christians, Catholics, Hindus and Islamic as well. The culture can be conveyed from
one generation to the other, only by safeguarding it. To own a glorious culture, one
should safeguard his own cultural identity.

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Cultural identity and national harmony
All ethnic and religious groups pay attention to safeguard their own cultural
identity. At the same time, it is important to respect the other cultures too, while
safeguarding the elements of them. It leads to ensure national harmony. A country
can achieve its prosperity only when every cultural group works in harmony while
protecting its own cultural identity. The aggregate of all cultures in a country forms
the national culture of it. It is a duty and responsibility of all to enrich it. It is the
path for national harmony.

That need is emphasized in our national anthem as well.

—...Eka mawakage daru kela bewina

Yamu yamu wee nopama...˜

When we live as citizens of a multiethnic society, it is important to respect the

other cultures. It is our duty to respect our culture as well as the other's and
refrain from harming them. Then, the mutual trust is built among ethnic groups.
It protects national harmony and builds sustainable peace.

Importance of building up national harmony and sustainable peace

while safeguarding one's own cultural identity

When we work as a nation while

safeguarding our cultural identities, mutual rapport
develops. Then one ethnic or religious group may
not look at the other groups with suspicion. Then,
mutual rapport, trust and reconciliation build up
among the people. The development of a country
takes place only if all the citizens of the country
work together as one. You must determine to work
with a sense of nationality from your childhood
disregarding all ethnic, religious and language
divisions. It is the prime aim of this subject.

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Merits of building national harmony and sustainable peace
² Conflicts are minimized by working with
mutual trust and understanding
² Harmony is ensured among ethnic groups
² Everyone’s contribution is received for the
development of the country
² People are compelled to work collectively and
harmoniously
² People contribute to the development of the
country as they engage in productive economic
activities.
² One is compelled to fulfil one’s duties while respecting cultural diversity.
² A sustainable peace is established.

Activity
² Write an article to the wallpaper on the topic of "The importance of
safeguarding the culture."
² Write an essay on the topic of the importance of national harmony. Make
a booklet collecting all the essays of students and getting them edited.
Donate it to the school library.

Summary

 The main force that leads a society is the culture.

 A society with multicultural characteristics is known as a multicultural
society.
 Most of the countries in the world have multicultural societies.
 Different racial groups, religious groups and languages exist in a
multicultural society.
 Different customs, and different heritage can be seen in a multicultural
society.
 When living in a multicultural society, everyone protecting his/her own
cultural identity and responding that of others is very important. It is a
reliable way to build up national unity and peace among various ethic,
racial and religious groups.

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