Anthropologist George Murdock compiled a list of cultural universals, including athletic sports, cooking, funeral ceremonies, medicine and sexual restrictions. The cultural practices listed by Murdock may be universal, but the manner in which they are expressed varies from culture to culture. Material culture refers to the physical or technological aspects of our daily lives including food items, houses, factories and raw materials. Nonmaterial culture refers to ways of using material objects and to customs, beliefs, philosophies, governments and patterns of communication. Generally, the nonmaterial culture is more resistant to change than the material culture is.
Language is an abstract system of word meaning and symbols for all aspects of culture.
It includes speech, written characters, numerals, symbols and gestures, and expressions of nonverbal communication. Unlike some other elements of culture, language permeates all parts of society. While language is a cultural universal, striking differences in the use of language are evident around the world. Norms are established standards of behavior maintained by a society. Formal norms have generally been written down and specify strict rules for punishment of violators.