Final answer:
Viewing culture as a 'text' allows us to delve into narratives and themes that reveal the values and perspectives of a society. Literary analysis exposes how historical and cultural contexts shape our understanding, and group discussion can broaden perspectives, deepening comprehension of multiple narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Culture can be viewed as a "text" because, like a story, it is filled with narratives, characters, conflicts, and themes that provide insight into the values and perspectives of a society. When we analyze culture as a text, we are seeking to understand how historical events, social dynamics, and individual experiences are woven together to create a complex narrative that represents a given culture or time period. This approach enables us to explore the underlying meanings and implications of cultural expressions and practices.For example, Indigenous oral histories were once studied as mere mythology but are now recognized for their historical value as well. These narratives not only tell stories but also reflect the culture's relationship with the environment and with each other. The authenticity debate between scholars like Dell Hymes and Claude Levi-Strauss underscores the complexity of these cultural texts and the layers of meaning that can be derived from them.In learning environments, discussing texts in groups allows for the sharing of diverse interpretations. This collaborative process helps revise and refine individual understanding, broadening one's perspective and appreciation of multiple cultural narratives that elucidate the text's purpose. Through these engagements, we acknowledge the rich tapestry of human experience that literature captures.