Cultural identity is a broader term: people from multiple ethnic backgrounds may recognize as belonging to the same culture. A sense of identity as individuals and as members of groups from their earliest interactions with others is important (Shweder, R.A. & Sullivan, M.A. 1993, pg 65 - 66). One of the most basic types of identity is ethnic identity, which entails an awareness of one's membership in a social group that has a common culture. The common culture may be as simple as a shared language, history, geography, and frequently physical characteristics.