Defining socialisation as the process of cultural communication whereby cul tural symbols interface with psychological experience, it is postulated that de velopmental psychology is a "cultural psychology". A semiotic view of social and human development is presented. This view of socialisation is different from the traditional theories of socialisation in that it emphasises that knowing and feeling, personal and cultural meaning are experientially and psycho logically fused in the person, early in life. Using a culture-centred view of human development the concepts of culture and socialisation are re-examined. Focusing on three variables for socialisation processes: the person, the social system, and culture, the paper focuses on microcommunicative processes by which cultural meanings are transformed into personal meanings. Using ex amples from Oriya Brahmin households, the general microcommunicative technique of instantiation is showcased and some of the specific techniques (such as narrative, dramatisation, and arguments) are illustrated.
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