Globalisation & Culture

Globalisation and its impact on culture is a rich IELTS topic that invites discussion about international trade, cultural identity, homogenisation, and the tension between tradition and modernity. You need vocabulary that allows you to explore both sides of this complex issue.

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Core Vocabulary

Globalisation

Word / Phrase	Definition	Example
globalisation	The increasing interconnection of the world's economies, cultures, and populations	Globalisation has created unprecedented opportunities for international trade and cultural exchange.
free trade	International trade without tariffs or restrictions	Proponents of free trade argue that it benefits all participating nations.
multinational corporation (MNC)	A company operating in multiple countries	Multinational corporations wield enormous economic and political influence.
outsourcing	Hiring external organisations (often abroad) to perform tasks	The outsourcing of manufacturing to developing countries has reshaped the global economy.
interdependence	Mutual reliance between countries or systems	Economic interdependence means that a crisis in one country can have global repercussions.
protectionism	Government policies that restrict foreign trade to protect domestic industries	There has been a resurgence of protectionism in recent years.
immigration	The movement of people into a country to live permanently	Immigration has been a driving force behind economic growth in many nations.
integration	The process of combining or incorporating parts into a whole	European integration has led to the free movement of people and goods across borders.

Culture and Identity

Word / Phrase	Definition	Example
cultural identity	The sense of belonging to a particular cultural group	Many people fear that globalisation threatens their cultural identity.
cultural heritage	Traditions, customs, and artefacts passed down through generations	Preserving cultural heritage is essential for maintaining a sense of community.
cultural homogenisation	The process by which local cultures become more similar to a dominant global culture	Cultural homogenisation is often cited as a negative consequence of globalisation.
cultural diversity	The variety of cultural groups within a society	Cultural diversity enriches societies and fosters innovation.
indigenous (adj.)	Originating naturally in a particular place; native	Indigenous languages and customs are at risk of disappearing.
assimilation	The process of adopting the culture of a dominant group	Some immigrants face pressure to assimilate at the expense of their original culture.
multiculturalism	The coexistence of diverse cultures within a society	Multiculturalism is a defining feature of many modern cities.
tradition	Customs and beliefs passed from generation to generation	There is a growing tension between tradition and modernity in many societies.

Cultural Exchange