nonmaterial culture
C1Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The intangible aspects of a society, including beliefs, values, norms, language, and symbolic systems.
The abstract elements of a culture that shape social behavior, collective identity, and worldview, distinct from physical artifacts or technological objects.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often contrasted with 'material culture' in anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. Refers to cognitive and symbolic structures rather than tangible objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; both use the same term. Spelling may follow local conventions (e.g., 'behaviour' vs 'behavior' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Neutral academic term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in academic anthropology and sociology in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
nonmaterial culture of [society/group]contrast between nonmaterial culture and [material culture]transmission of nonmaterial culture through [education/storytelling]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The software of society”
- “The invisible architecture of culture”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; may appear in discussions of organizational culture, referring to company values and norms.
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, cultural studies; used to analyse societal structures.
Everyday
Very rare; not typical in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in cultural anthropology and archaeology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The anthropologist sought to distinguish the nonmaterial from the material.
American English
- Researchers aim to nonmaterially reconstruct past belief systems.
adverb
British English
- The influence was felt nonmaterially, through changing values.
American English
- Culture spreads nonmaterially via language and media.
adjective
British English
- Nonmaterial cultural aspects are harder to preserve.
American English
- The nonmaterial culture component is critical for understanding rituals.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We learn our nonmaterial culture from our families.
- Language and traditions are parts of nonmaterial culture.
- Anthropologists study nonmaterial culture to understand a society's values.
- The transmission of nonmaterial culture through oral history ensures the continuity of indigenous worldviews.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'NON-MATERIAL' = NOT physical. It's the MIND part of culture (ideas, beliefs) not the HAND part (tools, objects).
Conceptual Metaphor
Culture as a building: nonmaterial culture is the blueprint; material culture is the constructed house.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation like 'невещественная культура' (awkward). Preferred: 'нематериальная культура'.
- Do not confuse with 'spiritual culture' (духовная культура), which is narrower.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'non-material culture' (hyphen optional; both forms exist).
- Using as a countable noun (*'many nonmaterial cultures'); usually uncountable or singular.
- Confusing with 'immaterial', which means 'unimportant' in general English.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT an example of nonmaterial culture?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Nonmaterial culture is broader, including language, norms, and values, while spiritual culture specifically relates to religious or metaphysical beliefs.
Theoretically, no. Nonmaterial culture (ideas) requires a material medium (e.g., brains, books, speech) for expression and transmission, though they are analytically distinct.
No. Both 'nonmaterial' and 'non-material' are accepted, though style guides may differ. The unhyphenated form is increasingly common in academic texts.
Primarily in anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. It may appear in archaeology, history, and sometimes in discussions of organisational or digital culture.