The interface of universal and culture-specific phenomena in cultural development and the generation of culture.

摘要

This dissertation examines the concept of culture, and develops a theory of bicultural identity development that integrates principles of individual psychology with an intersubjective understanding of culture. Beginning with the example of bicultural identification, it argues for a form of psychological potential space, here termed intercultural potential space, in that area of experience where culture-specific and universal phenomena of human experience interface. It is further argued that symbolic understanding bridges the gap between universal aspects of human experience and culture-specific phenomena constituting various differentiations of culture. The dissertation draws upon research in the fields of neurobiology, cognitive science, linguistics, translation theory, and psychology. Within the integrative theory of bicultural identity development, the original concept of intercultural potential space is clinically applied.