Appreciating cultural values

All cultures have their own sets of values that make them unique. Although values vary among individuals and groups within one culture, they are quite uniform if compared with a set of values of another culture. 

Literacy was not at all important in the traditional Gypsy culture and it is of little importance for Roma today. Gypsies could imagine life without having to be able to read and write. Besides, it protects them from the invasive influence of the gadjikane culture. For the non-Roma, however, literacy is one of the basic prerequisites for playing a part in their contemporary world. If questioned within these cultures separately, it is possible to say whether literacy has (high) or hasn't (has low) value. That is impossible when comparing the two cultures, since there are different values ascribed to literacy; none of these two cultures can both value and not value it.

For Traditional Custodians, cultural identity is connected by Country, kin, knowledge and responsibility.  Many species and ecological communities hold deep cultural, spiritual and livelihood importance for Indigenous peoples. Sometimes known as Totems, these Culturally significant entities may be animals, plants, landscapes, waters or other parts of the living world that make up Country.

Their meaning depends on Country, culture, family, community and the Knowledge systems to which they belong. But they are rarely acknowledged in national policy, planning or conservation management systems.
When a culturally significant species or place is damaged, the loss can affect more than biodiversity. It can also affect language, cultural practice, teaching and community wellbeing.

Culturally significant entities are the species and ecological communities to which Indigenous peoples attribute cultural value. They are vital to their relationship with Country. They may include animals, plants or ecosystems connected to Totems. They may also be bush foods, tools, cultural materials, or indicators of the health of Country.

Literacy was not at all important in the traditional Gypsy culture and it is of little importance for Roma today. Gypsies could imagine life without having to be able to read and write. Besides, it protects them from the invasive influence of the gadjikane culture. For the non-Roma, however, literacy is one of the basic prerequisites for playing a part in their contemporary world. If questioned within these cultures separately, it is possible to say whether literacy has (high) or hasn't (has low) value. That is impossible when comparing the two cultures, since there are different values ascribed to literacy; none of these two cultures can both value and not value it.