cultural device

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cultural device" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to tools, symbols, or practices that are significant within a particular culture. Example: "The totem pole serves as a cultural device that represents the history and beliefs of the indigenous people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This was not only a cultural device but a therapeutic device," he added.

The New York Times - Arts

As a pop cultural device, the blue screen also carries connotations of Miles Davis, Polynesian cocktails and television ads for Caribbean resorts.

The New York Times - Arts

But rather than celebrate the city's mostly mythical apocalypses, though, Max Page, an associate professor of architecture and history at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, examines why these events have been repeatedly invoked as a cultural device by, among others, W. E. B. Du Bois, Upton Sinclair and Collier's magazine in a 1950 cover that envisioned an atomic blast over Manhattan.

The New York Times

Mandalas have a habit of making their way into every imaginable cultural device, from our stop-motion video diaries to the title of a Breaking Bad episode.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As head honcho of a show frequently criticised for its ludicrous plot devices, cultural howlers and insidious disregard for political fact, Gansa really owes these earnest pranksters a debt of thanks, because their intervention actually means that Homeland looked deeply authentic for a minute, showing Americans gadding about warzones without understanding a word of Arabic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clemens wants his installation, which is due to be unveiled later this year, to be a device for cultural dialogue within Mardin's disparate communities.

Independent

What I have come to appreciate -- even as I succeeded in removing much of the book from our film's plot -- is the cultural relevance of the device.

The New York Times

Besides the privacy implications raised by Glass (critics often note that the on-board camera could be used to covertly snap videos and photos) there's also been a sizeable backlash against the cultural impact of the device.

Independent

"Considering the weight of cultural content in connected devices, it is legitimate that those who make and distribute the equipment contribute to the financing of its creation," according to the report, produced under the guidance of a former television executive and journalist, Pierre Lescure.

The New York Times

The 3310 now possesses a nostalgic cultural value that similar devices do not.

Vice

13 A systematic review of qualitative studies from the perspectives of community-dwelling older people and HCPs revealed various challenges in managing falls among older people, including cost, access to the intervention, time, social and cultural acceptance of assistive devices, exercise, fatalism and identity.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cultural device", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a tangible object, a symbolic representation, or an abstract practice within the culture being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "cultural device" as a vague placeholder. Be specific about the tool, symbol, or practice you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Education is a cultural device", specify that "Education serves as a cultural device for transmitting knowledge and values".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cultural device" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'cultural' acts as an adjective modifying 'device'. It refers to a specific tool, mechanism, or symbol that is integral to a particular culture. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cultural device" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon phrase used to describe tools, symbols, or practices significant within a culture. While Ludwig confirms its usability, alternative phrases like "cultural instrument" or "cultural artifact" might be more frequently encountered. The phrase tends to appear in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business-related discussions. Using "cultural device" effectively requires clarity and specificity to avoid overgeneralization. It serves to categorize items that contribute to shaping cultural identities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultural instrument

Replaces 'device' with 'instrument', suggesting a tool or means used to achieve a cultural purpose.

cultural tool

Substitutes 'device' with 'tool', emphasizing the practical application of the cultural element.

cultural mechanism

Replaces 'device' with 'mechanism', highlighting the function and process within the culture.

cultural artifact

Emphasizes the object's historical and cultural significance.

cultural symbol

Focuses on the representative nature of the cultural element.

cultural practice

Highlights a customary way of doing things within a culture.

cultural expression

Shifts the focus to the manifestation of cultural values and beliefs.

cultural tradition

Emphasizes the element's origin and transmission through generations.

cultural norm

Highlights the standard of behavior or belief within a culture.

cultural institution

Indicates a formal organization or structure dedicated to cultural preservation and promotion.

FAQs

How can I use "cultural device" in a sentence?

You can use "cultural device" to refer to something, either tangible or intangible, that has significance within a particular culture. For example: "The totem pole serves as a cultural device that represents the history and beliefs of the indigenous people."

What are some alternatives to "cultural device"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "cultural instrument", "cultural tool", or "cultural artifact".

What is the difference between "cultural device" and "cultural artifact"?

"Cultural device" is a broader term that can refer to tools, practices, or symbols, while "cultural artifact" specifically refers to tangible objects with cultural significance.

Is "cultural device" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "cultural device" is not as common as other related phrases such as "cultural practice" or "cultural symbol". Ludwig indicates that it is still a usable and understandable phrase.