Key Concepts in Southeast Asian Culture and Geography

Arjunawiwaha

First kakawin of East Javan period.

Batik

Dyeing cloth to create intricate patterns.

Biodiversity

Variety of life in a specific ecosystem.

Buffer Zone

Area separating conflicting regions or entities.

Cordilleras

Mountain ranges, specifically in Southeast Asia.

Java

Indonesian island, most active in the Ring of Fire.

Khmer Rouge

Communist movement that ruled Cambodia.

Leng Trot

Traditional Cambodian rain dance.

Ramayana

Ancient poem, considered the first poem.

Reforestation

Replanting trees in deforested areas.

Savanna

Mixed grassland ecosystem with scattered trees.

Shatter Belt

Region caught between colliding cultural-political forces.

Songkran

Holiday focused on renewal and moving forward.

Trawlers

Nets pulled along the sea bottom for fishing.

Tsunami

Giant waves caused by underwater earthquakes.

OPEC Member

Indonesia is a member of OPEC.

Longhouse

Elevated house accommodating up to 100 people.

Communist Countries

Laos and Vietnam are Southeast Asia's communist nations.

Major Sports

Soccer, basketball, badminton, and kickboxing are popular.

ASEAN

Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

ADB

Asian Development Bank.

Vietnam War Leaders

Ho Chi Minh in the north, South leaders unspecified.

Dry Season Crops

Yams, corn, and bananas are planted during dry season.