Cultural and Social Insights from a Christian Perspective

This assignment provides a detailed exploration of Christianity through 27 questions that cover various aspects of the culture and society. It delves into topics such as religious participation, gender roles, eating habits, holidays, physical contact, disrespect, respect, racism, prejudice, young people's sense of culture, living in the UK, exclusion based on gender or culture, and promoting education for women children. The answers offer insights into the values, practices, and beliefs of Christians and their cultural significance.

Assessment 2 Individual
Report

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
FINDINGS ......................................................................................................................................1
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................4
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................5
APPENDIX......................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION Culture is a characteristic and knowledge of specific group of
people which includes religion, cuisine, social habits, language, music and arts. In simple term, it
can be said that there are several people who belong from various culture and live in same
country (Cavelti and et.al., 2012). They are mainly different in some terms such as food, clothes,
daily living habits etc. This assignment is going to throw light on two distinct culture for
understanding their similarities and differences. Thus, Jewish and Christianity is explained in this
whole project for analysing their major facts and figures with the help of significant theories.
FINDINGS
Jewish Culture and Religion - Judaism is the religion which is followed by Jewish
people and it is also world's oldest Abrahamic culture. They believe in one god and the rules and
regulation followed by them come out from Torah;it is their holly book. In the same women's
and men's not treated equally they think that female is weak as compared to male in every
contrast. Most importantly, they are strict toward their culture and follow all the norms written in
Torah. Jewish don't follow anything related to Jesus because they says that god is one
(Tamati,Gilbert and Pisoni, 2013). Apart from this, education which is considered necessary for
every gender whether they can be male or female. But here, in this religion women's are not
promoted for education even several restrictions are implemented on them related to clothes,
talking, walking and so on. I belong from Jewish culture and live in United Kingdom.
Christianity Culture and Religion – It is the world's biggest religion. In this there is
about 2.1 billion followers all over the world. This culture believe in teachings of Jesus Christ
who lived in Holy Land 2000 years ago (Christianity, 2014). The people of this culture are
highly inspired by Western Culture. Christianity give equal opportunities related to education,
freedom, job and so on given to men's as well women's both. They believe in Jesus and follow all
the rules and regulation given in Bible which is their Holly book. Because they believe that Jesus
Christ is the son of God and the holy spirit. All the important days related to their life and culture
are celebrated in church these are Easter, Christmas, marriage, death etc. Apart from this, major
drawback is that they don't follow their religion strictly and youngster are not even aware about
it. For instance, my friend is from Christianity religion.
Difference and similarities between Jewish and Christian culture
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Social Cognitive Theory – This theory explains the influence of particular person
experience, environmental elements effect on individual health behaviour as well actions of
others. Key components involved in social cognitive theory are Self-efficacy, expectations,
behavioural capabilities, self-control, expectancies, reinforcements and observational learning. In
this report, this theory help in identifying differences between two culture people who live in
same country they are Jewish and Christian (Ustinova and et.al., 2011). Apart from this, social
cognitive theory have their own views that people learn many things by watching others activity.
In psychology, the same describe personality of person in term of how they think and react
towards social environment. Implementation in relation of differences are as follows :-
Basis Jewish Christian
Environmental Environmental factor include social
norms, community and cultural
influences. For a person who belongs to
Jewish culture, it is required to follow
all the norms and traditions due to
various restriction. Jews culture denotes
several laws and customs on the basis of
contemporary trends as orthodox,
conservative and Reform. In Jewish,
there is a specific law for dispute,
divorce and others.
Christian are not so superstitious
because they believes to live an open
life with full of freedom. My friend
consider his/her faith in ability, work
and its outcomes. They lives a life
that consider less regulations,
equality in gender and so on. Majorly
they lives a friendly life with family,
friends and relatives.
Behaviour Jewish purse their learning and
behavioural approaches on the basis of
their culture and norms. I began my
primary education from my parents and
family members. Individual who
belongs to Jewish family seems to be
highly dedicated toward their culture. In
the terms of thoughts, Jewish culture has
major influence in my overall actions.
In Christians families, since they are
inspired by western communities so
after a certain age group, parents
give freedom to their children for
living their life by their own rules and
regulations. In terms of education,
learning and understanding, there is
no specific restrictions or norm that
they needs to be considered in their
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life. This is the main reason that the
youngsters are not as much aware
about their religion.
Personal In Jewish culture, people are following
norms, regulations, traditions and rituals
which are going on from the ancient
time period. These are the only reasons
that Jewish people seems to be more
superstitious and orthodox. In my
family, we also follow several cultural
norms which is the reflection of our
culture and tradition.
Christians always believes to adopt
new culture on the basis of several
changes. They believes in living an
open minded life in which they
provide equal authority to men and
women. These kind of things assist to
make a huge differentiation between
Jewish and Christian culture.
Hierarchical pyramid with five levels in which needs of individual is explained at
different level. It is based on assumption and in this urgency of requirement can varies. There are
5 needs i.e., physiological, safety, social, self-esteem and self-actualization. The same is utilising
for determining similarities between different cultural people which are from Jewish and
Christianity (Lehavy and Merkley, 2011). Because every person have similarities in the needs
and wants for them culture don't matter. Explanation of this are as follows :-
Basis Jewish and Christians
Esteem Each and every culture assist to teach us respect for each and everyone.
Me and my friend who belongs to Jewish and Christian culture believes
in respect and self-esteem so that we can develop value for others as well
as for ourself too. These are strength and major similarity of two
different cultures. On the basis of these things, we can create recognition
in society for our religion easily.
Safety needs Each and everyone wants to live in a positive, safe and secure
environment. For this, it is required to reduce level of inequality from the
society. Safety can be consider personal, job, health security and so on.
These are the major similarity between Jewish and Christian culture that
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it denote elements of own as well as others security for a social welfare
term.
Love and belongings Each and every person have emotions toward friends, family, animal and
so on either he/she belongs from Jewish culture or Christian. For
example my friend belong from Christian family and I am Following
Jewish tradition still we are very close friends. In fact, our families also
share sentiments, foods, festival as well as celebrate various occasions
with each others. Hence, it shows that every individual have similar
feelings and emotions towards other.
Biological needs Being a human, each and every individual have some basic needs as;
food, shelter, water, clothing, reputation and so on. Culture can not
discriminate a person for such things. Everyone has equal requirement
and need for these things. If these needs are not satisfied then it is hard to
function optimally in daily routines. Biological needs are similar for
everyone either they are Christian or Jewish.
Self- actualization In a society, each and every individual wants to be a recognizing
personality on the basis of their working approaches and social
contributions. Therefore, Culture such as Christian, Jewish, Buddhism,
Hinduism and Muslims can never exclude an individual on the basis of
self actualization. For example; Me and my friend both wanted to
become one of the most successful person at societal place by getting
inspired with various famous leaders such as; Nelson Mandela, Mark
Zuckerberg. Hence, it shows that every one have a dream to develop
their personality by coming up with creative ideas in which culture
doesn't get influenced.
CONCLUSION
From the above assignment, it has been concluded that people from different religion are
distinctive from each other in many terms such as language, clothes, food and so on. Not this
much only, they are even distinct in thoughts also as well rules and regulation followed by them.
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Throughout the report major similarities and dissimilarities is founded between Jewish and
Christian people. It is summarised with the assistance of several theory such as Social cognitive
and Maslow hierarchy theory.
5

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Cavelti, M. and et.al., 2012. Assessing recovery from schizophrenia as an individual process. A
review of self-report instruments. European psychiatry.27(1). Pp,19-32.
Tamati, T.N., Gilbert, J.L. and Pisoni, D.B., 2013. Some factors underlying individual
differences in speech recognition on PRESTO: A first report. Journal of the American
Academy of Audiology. 24(7). pp,616-634.
Ustinova, K. and et.al., 2011. Effect of robotic locomotor training in an individual with
Parkinson's disease: a case report. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology.
6(1). pp,77-85.
Lehavy, R., Li, F. and Merkley, K., 2011. The effect of annual report readability on analyst
following and the properties of their earnings forecasts. The Accounting Review. 86(3).
pp.1087-1115.
Online
Christianity,2014.[Online].Available
through:<http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/>.
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APPENDIX
1. Cultural autobiography of a different culture Family structure and relationships, role
of:
Parents: Aapo Sofer (father's name), Abarrane Sofer (Mother's name)
Grandparents: Abner Sofer (grand father), Abilence Sofer (grand mother)
Other family members: Abram Sofer (Younger Brother) and Adah Sofer (elder Sister)
2. Nationality(ies) of yourself, parents , grandparents
Yourself: British
Parents; mother: British ; Father: British
Grandparents; British grandmother: British , grandfather: British
3. Rituals of family life:
Daily living: My daily living rituals as per my Jews religion is getting up in the morning then I
wash my hand. After this, get dressed up for walking and then decency in the lavatory. Approx.
11:00 am I get clean for prayer or Torah Study which is morning Benedictions. Now in the
mid of the day, I take my lunch and went for some sports activity. again in the evening get
ready for prayer. In the night, I have dinner with all my family member and we usually talk
about overall day activity with parents.
Special occasions: Birth: In the Jews tradition, baby boy named on eight day after birth at a Brit Milah. On
the other hand, baby girl is named in the first two weeks after their birth as well girl
name will be announced when her father is called up to the Torah and this day close to
when the girl is born, although practice often has baby girls named at the Torah reading
on the first Shabbat following birth. Now a days, some improvement take place because
of that ceremony take place which is not much popular and named as Simchat bat for
naming baby girl. These celebration takes place in many modern Orthodox Ashkenazi
communities. Marriage: In my religion, wedding ceremonies include a Ketubah. it is contract that is
signed by two witness. Their is ring also which is owned by the groom and given to the
bride under the wedding canopy and the breaking glass.
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 Death rituals: As per the Jewish Tradition, the person who died should have to be
buried as soon as possible, generally in the 24 hours after death. But it can be delay also
because of some legal or practical reason. Reason can be to avoid spiritual holidays and
to wait for reaching of family members. Moreover, immediately after death their an
prayer which is named as Dayan Ha'Emet is recited and a shomer. After that, guardian is
allotted to the dead body from the moment of death until its burial. Assigned person can
be a family member, mouring friend, member of synagogue and chevra kadisha. After
all this process, family member or loved one washed or get purified by the member of
the chevra kadisha who are of similar gender of the person passed away. Then body will
dry away and dressed in a plain white shroud of linen or muslin. If the person from
family is male then he will buried in a spiritual of skullcap, known as a kippah or
yarmulke, a prayer shawl, called tallit. After funeral, reception is given at home or
synagogue and bereaved. In this, meal is cooked by the friends or by any social group.
4. Who holds the most “status” in your family? Why?
My grandfather hold most “status” position in my family because they are most experienced
then all others. They have capabilities of handling any type of situation as well my grandfather
is oldest person.
5. Environment where you grew up :
Home: I grew up in a healthy and friendly environment i.e. at my home where me and my
siblings learned a lot about our traditions and cultures. My parents always be with us as a friend
so that we can share our problems and blessings with them. Daily, after dinner me and my
family sitting together and share our whole day activities. This type of environment helps in
taking advises of parents in several topics so that I can resolve my issues easily.
Physical Surroundings: I am living in a positive and healthy environment because my house is
surrounded with greenery. In our society, several physical surroundings are available as a
garden, swimming pool, gym, swings and so on. Greenery is a most important things for
healthy and clean environment that assist to make us physical, mental and emotional well-
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being.
6. Individuals and /or institutions(church, college, etc.) which have had a strong influence
on you
My college life have great influence on me because at this place I learn lots of things which will
help me in becoming good and successful person.
7. Mobility moving from country to country; moving from class to class; profession to
profession:
Your own: I have done my schooling in UK and college too but for some professional and
engineering courses, I went US for a short duration.
Your family’s: In order to expand our family business, my father goes on country to country
sometimes with family or sometime alone.
8. Education:
Where
I have completed my schooling, Bachelors and Masters in UK. For some professional and
technological courses, I went Israel, so that I can develop my career easily.
How long?
Schooling taken 14 years, Bachelors 3 years and Masters pursuing for 4 years.
In between them, a Electrical diploma of 1 year.
Principal influences?
Education has major influence in my life. It assist me in building knowledge, understanding and
accountability for career goals and success.
Education of yourself:
School: Physics, Chemistry and Maths
College: BEng (Hons) Electrical engineering (Electronics) (Bachelors)
Meng (Hons) Electrical engineering (Electronics) (Masters)
Diploma: Certificate in electronic engineering technology
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Parents:
Father: Masters in business administrations in Finance
Mother: Intermediate (School level)
Grandparents:
Grand father: Intermediate (School level)
Grand mother: Intermediate (School level)
9. Other aspects of your life or influences upon it of importance to you
a. Is punctuality important to you? Why or why not?
Yes, for me punctuality is important because it show how I respect for other person and
time. If I don't do work on time or come it give my wrong impression in front of others.
In some situations I also got late due to some reason but one day mistake will cover
because of daily punctuality.
b. What is the most important meal of the day?
For me, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
c. Do you eat foods that are indigenous to your culture? Why or why not? If you
answered yes, name some of the foods that you eat. If you answered no, what types
of foods do you eat?
Yes, I eat foods that are indigenous to my culture because its shows our loyalty towards
culture. Type of these foods are Beet-and-horseradish, cabbage-based products, blini,
porridge, boiled potatoes, freshly baked bread, vegetarian borscht.
10. Did you ever live with your grandparents or extended family?
Yes, till now 4 to 5 times I lived with my grandparents and extended family. These are some
occasion or marriage of my brother and sister.
11. How important is religion in your family? Why ?
In my family, religion is very important because it crave a better understanding of the tradition
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and our culture. Main reason of this is religion assign purpose to give a greater meaning of our
life.
12. Do you actively participate in an organized religion?
Yes, me and my family participate in an organized religion because it assist to teach us values
of our religion and culture which requires to follow by proper consistence.
13. Are the roles of men and women specifically defined in your family? If so, what are
they?
In Judaism, the role of women is largely determined as character and care taker of home. In my
family men lives a official life and women as Hebrew akeret habayit (means literally the
“mainstay” of the home).
14. Do you have any eating habits/rituals that are specific to your culture?
No, I don't have any eating habit that are specific to my culture but some times my family used
to eating such dishes that are specific to my religious.
15. Define and describe the most important (or most celebrated) holiday of your culture.
The Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the most important holiday which celebrate on the
Jewish New Year and the day of atonement.
16. How is physical contact viewed in your culture?
As per the concept of Jewish law, physical contact restricts with a member of opposite sex
except their blood relatives (Children, siblings, parents, spouse and grand children).
17. What is considered most disrespectful in your culture?
In Jewish culture, most disrespectful thing is that there females are not given equal opportunity
as that of men. They are ill treated and are not give the freedom to express themselves or live
their life freely. Men are even allowed to harm women physically if they find it necessary to
maintain discipline in their society and they are not accountable to anyone.
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18. What is considered most respectful in your culture?
In Jewish culture, several respectful things are considered to be as community support to each
member, Prayer shawls, turn off cell phones before entering in sanctuary and so on.
19. What would you say is, from your perspective, the most commonly held misconception
about people of your culture?
According to me, People thinks that Jewish culture revolves around superstitious things by
focusing on ancestors beliefs.
20. Have you ever experienced racism? In what form?
Yes, I experienced racism in UK due to major conflicts between political, social and religious
groups.
21. What can be done about racism and prejudice, in your opinion?
According to me, Government needs to restrict these cultural fascism, prejudice, inequality and
racism. It is mandatory to take strict actions against such issues to resolve them as soon as
possible and provide equal opportunities to each and everyone.
22. Do young people today have a sense of culture?
I think people do not have as much knowledge and sense about their culture and religious.
23. What is the best thing about living in UK?
The best thing about UK is The culture, Education and health care facilities, Pubs and foods for
young generation, Tourism and son on.
24. What is the worst thing about living in UK?
In UK, there are some worst things which I observe on the basis of my opinion as - Excessive
surveillance, Deference to Rich and Titled, Compulsory Television Tax and Anti-immigration
Movement.
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25. Have you ever felt excluded based on your Gender or Culture? (If ‘Yes’, how?)
Yes, sometimes I felt excluded from society because of my culture. Main reason behind this is,
people have poor mentality about my religion and culture and they provoke inequality in
society.
26.Do you remember excluding others based on Culture or Gender? (If ‘Yes’, why?)
Yes, sometimes women also excluded from society in the terms of education, cooperate life,
sometimes decision making power and so on.
27. Is there anything you would like others to know that we have not included here
about you or your culture?
The culture of Jewish are very strict that has various rules and regulation which are requires to
be considered by each and everyone. These regulation can be related to worship, food,
occasions and so on. In Jewish, several regulations are denoted separately for men as well as
women.
Thanks for your time and involvement!
PS: can I use your answers for a biography as a school report?
1. Cultural autobiography of a different culture Family structure and relationships, role
of:9. Parents: Keziya Anderson (mother), Sanly Anderson (father)10. Grandparents: Atsa Anderson (grand mother), Benitto Anderson (grand father)
11. Other family members: Lline Anderson (younger sister), Melroy Anderson (elder brother)
2. Nationality(ies) of yourself, parents , grandparents
- Yourself: British
- Parents; mother: British , father: British
- Grandparents; grandmother: British , grandfather: British
3. Rituals of family life:
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d. Daily living: She\ he get up early in the morning at 6'o clock then get ready for walk.
After coming from walk she/he take bath and have breakfast. Before going to college
he/she go for worship at church. So that, they can start their day with positive vibes as
well in the evening usually his/her fiends come and they all together go for hanging out.
In is/her routine dinner time is for family where they discuss all the activities of overall
day.
a. Special occasions:
Birth: In Christianity, Naming of child is usually done through baptism ceremony, especially
Catholic culture, and to a lesser degree those Protestants who practice infant baptism. Whereas,
in the Eastern Orthodoxy baby are named by his/her father on eighth day of their life such
special activities conducted in the church or home. Apart from this, Christian adhere to the
local traditions of the area in which they are living.
Marriage: Christians think that marriage is a gift given from god to us, which should not be
taken for granted. This is correct atmosphere for individual to engage in sexual relations and to
build family. Marriage rituals done in church in-front of god which is very important. Process
of the same is bridge and groom get priest welcome then couple make promise with each other
that they will love, protect, comfort and honor as long they both will live. Then they make vows
to one another and exchange rings, priest said them now they are husband and wife. For newly
married couple prayer are said which include gift of children. From bible some reading take
place and minister gives a sermon. In the end, bride and groom sign the register along with two
witness because it is an legal requirement.
Death rituals: In Christians funeral is held after one week of death which take place in
crematorium or church. It generally take place in this form: people gathered and psalm is read
out from Bible. It is often Psalm 23, 'The Lord is my Shepherd'. Verses from the Old or New
Testament are also read by the priest. Person reading is done which means priest talk about the
person who died as well their contribution and role in church. Everyone thanks to god for the
patients and readiness for death are said. For a minute everyone get silent and commendation as
well farewell is done by spiritual leader. In the end, the committal done funnel get completed.
4. Who holds the most “status” in your family? Why?
His/her father hold status in family because he is the most experienced person. Another reason
is that they don't live with grand parents or extended family.
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5. Environment where you grew up :
- Home: Environment in which he/she grew up is not much friendly because everyone is busy
in their own life. Only on Sunday they meet with each other and have breakfast together.
- Physical surroundings: Atmosphere in which he/she grew up is healthy and safe because
near to house there is lots of trees, plants and grass which gives fresh air. Along with this,
infrastructure also matters which is good in his/her society.
6. Individuals and /or institutions(church, college, etc.) which have had a strong influence
on you
Church have major influence on his/her.
7. Mobility moving from country to country; moving from class to class; profession to
profession:
- Your own: He/ she completed their schooling in United Kingdom then for some Diploma
Courses they went to United State.
- Your family’s: His/Her grandfather have their supermarket in UK then for expanding their
business their father went to US and start chain of their store.
8. Education:
- Where?
Schooling is completed in United kingdom and after that his/ her went to United State for
diploma course. Master' s pursuing by he/she in UK.
- How long?
Schooling taken 14 years, Bachelors 3 years Diploma 1 years and master's pursuing for 4 years.
- Principal influences?
Education influence his/her life in more effective manner such is he/she take responsibility or
accountability of work which done by them. Most important is that it enhance knowledge in
particular area.
- Education of yourself:
School: Physic, chemistry and maths
Diploma: Certificate in electronic engineering technology
Bachelors: BEng (Hons) Electrical Engineering (Electronics)
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Masters: MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Control Systems)
- Parents:
Father : Masters of business administration in International Business
Mother : BA hons in computer science
- Grandparents:
Grandfather: BA hons in business management
Grandmother: intermediate (high school)
9. Other aspects of your life or influences upon it of importance to you
Is punctuality important to you? Why or why not?
Yes, punctuality is important and he/she usually try hard to reach on time or complete work in
required duration but in this they never get succeed.
What is the most important meal of the day?
Lunch is the important meal of the day for his/her because at that time they are free and can
have food slowly or as per required time.
Do you eat foods that are indigenous to your culture? Why or why not? If you answered
yes, name some of the foods that you eat. If you answered no, what types of foods do you
eat?
No, he/she don't eat food which is indigenous to their culture because they believe or like to try
food of different culture. For example: haggies, tatties, neeps welsh cakes and flummery.
10. Did you ever live with your grandparents or extended family?
Yes, in the childhood they live with their grandparents and extended family but as they grew up
all decide to get separate from each other.
11. How important is religion in your family? Why ?
Religion is important in his/her family but not that much because everyone is busy in their own
life. This is the main reason that they are not strictly following religious rules and regulation.
12. Do you actively participate in an organized religion?
No, he/she as well their family member don't actively participate in organized religion because
they all are busy and not having that much time.
13. Are the roles of men and women specifically defined in your family? If so, what are
they?
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No, In Christians it is believed that mad and women are made in the image of god so they have
to be treated equally. Thus, in house his/her mother, father both share responsibility equally.
14. Do you have any eating habits/rituals that are specific to your culture?
No, he/she don't have eating habits which is not specific to their culture.
15. Define and describe the most important (or most celebrated) holiday of your culture.
10. Easter – It celebrate on first Sunday after full moon which is usually afterwards march
21.
11. Pentecost – It comes after 40 days of Easter.
16. How is physical contact viewed in your culture?
In Christianity, physical touch shows platonic love, friendship, sexual attraction and romantic
love. Thus, in their culture physical contact is not taken wrong.
17. What is considered most disrespectful in your culture?
Most disrespectful thing in his/her culture is that they don't have proper knowledge about their
culture as well their holly book Bible.
18. What is considered most respectful in your culture?
Social structure and humanities is consider as most respectful in culture of Christianity.
19. What would you say is, from your perspective, the most commonly held misconception
about people of your culture?
People thinks that Christians are morally superior at societal place.
20. Have you ever experienced racism? In what form?
Yes, he/she had faced racism in the form of religious differences and political factors.
21. What can be done about racism and prejudice, in your opinion?
Their are several things which can be done in respect of removing racism and prejudice one of
them is do don't do religious differences.
22. Do young people today have a sense of culture?
No, most of the young peoples don't have sense of culture because they believe in enjoying
their life.
23. What is the best thing about living in UK?
There are several best thing of living in United kingdom some of them are freedom, food and
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