Theme 2: Introduction


 Preserving Culture and Identity

Before you begin this theme, think about this:

Globalization is the idea that the world is becoming one large, interconnected, and interdependent community. This is happening because of advancements in communication, transportation, and information technologies. It can also happen when people of different cultures move to different countries or when large companies do business in many different countries around the world.

As you work through the lessons in this theme, you will think about how culture and identity can be preserved even within a globalizing world.



In Theme 1, you explored personal identity and thought about how your culture is a part of who you are.

In this theme, you will look at the cultural groups who make their home in Canada. You will first look at the relationship between language and culture and learn about the diversity of languages in Canada. You will look at how the identities of cultural groups in Canada combine with other factors to create a uniquely Canadian identity, one with multicultural traits. You will also see how cultural identity can be reflected in literature and the fine arts. Finally, you will learn what popular culture is and examine its effects upon diversity.


Canadians celebrating
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This theme includes five lessons:

  • Lesson 6 — The Importance of Language
  • Lesson 7 — Languages in Canada
  • Lesson 8 — Cultural Groups and Canadian Identity
  • Lesson 9 — Cultural Arts
  • Lesson 10 — Popular Culture