Conventional vs Traditional
Knowing the difference between conventional and traditional is important because when speaking of people and cultures, we often hear people speaking of traditional and conventional beliefs, which govern the social lives of people in all walks of life and in all spheres. These lay out a code of conduct for people and allow them to integrate and promote solidarity. Traditional refers to being part of a long established tradition whereas conventional refers to what is socially acceptable. When we say conventional, the long established nature is lost as in traditional. This is the major difference between conventional and traditional. This article attempts to highlight the differences that exist between these two and provide a better understanding of the terms, conventional and traditional .
What does Traditional mean?
Traditional refers to a custom or belief which passes from one generation to another. Such values and beliefs become customary since they have existed for a long period in many generations. Let us try to understand this through an example. In Asian countries, the village community engages in special rituals that are related to agricultural activities. There are a number of rituals when it comes to ploughing, harvesting, etc. These are traditional rituals that have been passed practiced by one generation and passed on to the next. Even though time has elapsed, these rituals are still intact. In this sense, traditional activities, beliefs or rituals are long established. They are considered as sacred by communities since they have a long history and a unique purpose. However, t he practice of some traditions can be rather difficult since the communities have undergone many changes due to the lapse of time.
What does Conventional mean?
Conventional gives out the idea of something being done in a particular manner, which is socially acceptable. In the day to day language, we often hear people saying “they are very conventional” or else “she has very conventional ideas”. This does not necessarily mean that the person is traditional; it is possible that the person upholds traditional beliefs but it can also mean that the individual is in accordance to the expected standards of behaviour of that particular society and adheres to the values and norms of that society. Yet it is important to bear in mind that when an activity that is accepted by the majority of the society continues for a longer period, there is a possibility for it to be traditional.
What is the difference between Conventional and Traditional?
• Traditional is being part of a long established custom or belief.
• These can take many forms.
• Traditional gives the idea of something being transmitted from one generation to another.
• In all societies and cultures, there are traditions that are upheld by the respective community.
• These are valued and protected by the community.
• Conventional, on the other hand, refers to practices that are approved by the society.
• These highlight that activities or behaviour should take place in a particular manner.
• However, it does not have to be long established as in the case of traditional.
• When an activity that is believed to be conventional proceeds for a longer period, it becomes traditional.