TRANSCULTURALITY. A WORLD OF MIXTURES

Abstract

The paper tries to make evident that transculturality is by no means only a characteristic of the present but has de facto determined the cut of cultures since time immemorial. This is demonstrated via examples of the arts across all cultures and continents.

Examples are the Egyptian origins of Greek sculpture, the Greco-Roman inspiration of the East-Asian figurations of Buddha, the transfer of Bizet's Carmen to South Africa, Dürerʼs entanglement with Venice, Zuckmayer's demonstration of the manifold origins of a `people', the genetic and cultural transformation of Europe by migrants from the Near East about 7,500 years ago, a contemporary alliance between Death Metal and Buddhism, the national appreciation of the transnational Cloud Gate Dance Theater in Taiwan, and, finally, the transculturality of our menus.

In conclusion: Transculturality, not cultural separation has been the rule in history and across countries and cultures. Our present life is transcultural to the highest degree. Transculturality is the order of the day. The problems we are facing worldwide (economic and ecological challenges, problems of poverty and human rights) can only be solved if we achieve an understanding with one another across all state and national borders. Transcultural understanding is not a pious wish or a faded idea – it is an elementary necessity of our time.