# Cultural Reference Review

Evaluate examples, humor, symbols, imagery, assumptions, gestures, holidays, and sensitive references for a defined audience and target locale.

## Usage note

Use this review with a qualified person familiar with the target audience and locale, not as a universal list of cultural rules. Record the specific context, medium, and intended effect. Cultures are diverse and changing; one reviewer's view is valuable evidence, not permission to stereotype a whole population. Escalate legal, political, religious, safety, or rights questions to appropriate specialists.

## How to use this template

1. Define the target locale, audience segment, language variety, medium, timing, and message purpose.
2. Inventory verbal, visual, behavioral, historical, religious, political, and everyday-life references.
3. Evaluate comprehension, relevance, representation, sensitivity, and unintended meaning with qualified reviewers.
4. Replace or adapt problematic elements while preserving the intended communication function.
5. Record evidence, dissent, final decisions, approvals, and future review triggers.

## Blank template

### Review context

- **Content and version:** [Page, campaign, asset, or script]
- **Target locale:** [Country/region and language variety]
- **Audience segment:** [Age, context, and relevant diversity]
- **Medium and placement:** [Web, email, video, app, print]
- **Publication timing:** [Dates and relevant events]
- **Message purpose:** [Understand, feel, or act]
- **Reviewer experience:** [Relevant locale and subject knowledge]
- **Additional perspectives needed:** [Community or specialist review]

### Reference record

- **Reference:** [Phrase, example, image, symbol, gesture, or assumption]
- **Intended function:** [Humor, familiarity, instruction, proof, emotion]
- **Possible interpretation:** [Target-context meaning]
- **Affected audience:** [Who may be confused or harmed]
- **Evidence:** [Reviewer rationale or current source]
- **Severity:** [Required, recommended, open, acceptable]
- **Adaptation:** [Replace, localize, explain, or remove]
- **Meaning preserved:** [What the new version still accomplishes]

### Final checks

- [ ] Review covers visual and behavioral assumptions, not text alone.
- [ ] Audience is defined more precisely than a nationality.
- [ ] Concerns describe context rather than stereotypes.
- [ ] Humor and imagery retain an appropriate function.
- [ ] Identity, religion, politics, and history receive suitable expertise.
- [ ] Reviewer disagreement and uncertainty remain visible.
- [ ] Complete layout is checked in the target language.
- [ ] Seasonal and sensitive references have update ownership.