noun phrase · academic
cultural appropriation
UK/ˌkʌltʃərəl əˌprəʊpriˈeɪʃən/US/ˌkʌltʃərəl əˌproʊpriˈeɪʃən/CUL·tur·al ap·pro·pri·A·tion
When people or groups use elements of another culture without permission or respect, especially where there is a power imbalance.
Examples
“Some designers have been accused of cultural appropriation for using indigenous patterns in a fashion line.”
“Debates about cultural appropriation often focus on respect and historical context.”
“Museums are careful not to cross the line between exchange and cultural appropriation.”
Band 8 sentence
“I think accusations of cultural appropriation are complex because they touch on history, power and respect, not just aesthetics.”
Collocations
- accused of cultural appropriation
- debate over cultural appropriation
Word family
Common mistakes
steal their culture→be accused of cultural appropriation
take culture→adopt elements of another culture
Say it for a higher band
5steal culture→6take cultural elements→7+cultural appropriation
Synonyms
cultural theft
Easily confused
cultural exchange
“The festival promoted cultural exchange between the two communities.”
Related words
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In Art & Culture
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