Zamonaviy lingvistika

THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE
Culture is the lifeblood of a vibrant society, expressed in the many ways we tell our stories, celebrate, remember the past, entertain ourselves, and imagine the future. Our creative expression helps define who we are, and helps us see the world through the eyes of others. Ontarians participate in culture in many ways—as audiences, professionals, amateurs, volunteers, and donors or investors.¹
In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. With improved learning and health, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with others, culture enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individuals and communities. 
A growing body of research also demonstrates that the arts can improve the health and well-being of older adults. Participation in the arts can relieve isolation and promote identity formation and intercultural understanding. Vancouver’s Arts, Health and Seniors Project found that active participation in the arts had positive health benefits, such as social cohesion and emotional and physical well-being. Both the perceived health and chronic pain measures showed improvement over time. ²
In First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, culture is “simultaneously art, creative expression, religious practice, ritual models and markers of governance structures and territorial heritage, as well as maps of individual and community identity and lineage.”³ The link between past efforts to eradicate Indigenous cultures and health issues in today’s Indigenous communities is increasingly recognized. Research has shown that revitalization of Indigenous cultures plays a key role in supporting the health, well-being, and healing of individuals and communities.

Vibrant communities

The benefits of culture for individuals can spill over to society as a whole. 
Culture helps build social capital, the glue that holds communities together. By bringing people together, cultural activities such as festivals, fairs, or classes create social solidarity and cohesion, fostering social inclusion, community empowerment, and capacity-building, and enhancing confidence, civic pride, and tolerance. The social capital created through culture increases with regular participation in cultural activities. Cultural engagement also plays a key role in poverty reduction and communities-at-risk strategies. 
Culture is important to the vitality of all communities. Research in the US has shown direct connections between culture and community revitalization in Chicago neighbourhoods. Social networks created through arts initiatives based in the community resulted in direct economic benefits for the neighbourhood, such as new uses of existing facilities, and new jobs for local artists. Our diverse cultural heritage resources tell the story of our shared past, fostering social cohesion. They are intrinsic to our sense of place. Investments in heritage streetscapes have been shown to have a positive impact on sense of place. Benefits include improved quality of life for local residents, a feeling of pride, identification with the past, and a sense of belonging to a wider community.
Culture helps cities to develop compelling city narratives and distinctive brands, with unique selling points for tourists and business investors. Culturally rich districts also enhance competitiveness by attracting talent and businesses. Cultural heritage is also a factor in rural development, supporting tourism, community renewal, and farmstead conservation.