Unit 3: Cultural Patterns and Processes Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and definitions related to cultural patterns and processes in AP Human Geography.

Acculturation

The process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits or social patterns of another group, often occurring when cultures come into direct contact.

Appropriation

The act of taking or using elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission and typically leading to controversy.

Contagious diffusion

The rapid, widespread diffusion of a characteristic throughout the population.

Tradition vs Modern Architecture

Tradition refers to architectural styles that reflect historical and cultural heritage, while modern architecture embraces contemporary designs and technologies, often characterized by simplicity and functionality.

Assimiliation

The process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the practices and beliefs of another culture, often leading to a loss of their original cultural identity.

Assimilation vs Acculturation

Assimilation involves adopting the cultural traits of another group, while acculturation refers to the exchange of cultural features between groups without losing one's original cultural identity.

Cultural convergence

is the process whereby different cultures become more similar through interaction and exchange of ideas, often due to globalization and technology.

cultural divergence

the process by which distinct cultural groups become increasingly different over time, often due to geographical, social, or political barriers.

cultural landscape

the visible imprint of human activities and cultural practices on the physical environment, reflecting the values and behaviors of a society.

cultural relativism

the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of another culture. This approach promotes understanding and appreciation of cultural differences, avoiding ethnocentrism.

colonialism

the practice of acquiring control over another country, exploiting its resources, and establishing settlements, often leading to significant cultural and social changes.

culture

the social behavior, norms, and beliefs of a group of people, encompassing art, religion, language, and traditions.

cultural trait

a characteristic of a particular culture, such as clothing, food, or customs, that is passed down from generation to generation.

diffusion

the process by which cultural traits, ideas, or practices spread from one society to another, often through trade, migration, or communication.

ethnocentrism

the belief in the superiority of one's own culture, often leading to the evaluation of other cultures through that lens.

expansion diffusion

the spread of cultural traits through direct population movement, where the number of adopters increases, often enhancing the original culture.

contagious diffusion

the spread of cultural traits via direct contact or communication, where innovations quickly reach a wide audience, similar to the spread of an infectious disease.

stimulus diffusion

the process where a cultural trait spreads, but is altered upon adoption by another culture, resulting in a modified version of the original.

hierarchical diffusion

the spread of cultural traits through a hierarchy or social structure, where ideas or innovations are adopted by larger or more influential groups before trickling down to smaller or less influential groups.

hearth

the point of origin or source of cultural traits and innovations from which they spread to other areas.

imperialism

the policy or practice of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

indigenous communities

social groups that are native to a particular region, possessing distinct cultural practices, languages, and a strong connection to their ancestral lands.

multiculturalism

the coexistence of diverse cultural groups within a society, promoting equal respect for all cultures.

relocation diffusion

the spread of cultural elements through the physical movement of people from one place to another, often resulting in the adoption of these elements by new communities.

sequent occupance

the concept that successive societies or cultures leave their imprint on a place, shaping its cultural landscape over time.

syncretism

the blending of different cultural traditions, practices, or beliefs to create a new cohesive system.

centripetal force

a force that unifies a group's people or activities, promoting stability and cohesion within a society or nation.

centrifugal force

a force that tends to divide or pull apart a group's people or activities, leading to fragmentation and disorder in a society or nation. ethnic

ethnic neighborhood

A geographically defined area where a specific ethnic group resides, often characterized by a shared culture, traditions, and social networks.

gender roles

social and behavioral norms associated with being male or female in a given society.

ethnicity

the shared cultural, linguistic, or ancestral heritage of a group of people, often defining their identity and social relationships.

race

a social construct used to categorize people based on physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features, that influences their social interactions and experiences.

creolization/ creolized language

the process by which two or more languages blend to form a new, stable language, often arising in contexts of colonization and cultural exchange. Ex. Haitian Creole or Kreyòl.

Dialect

a regional or social variation of a language characterized by distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Indo-european

a large family of languages that includes many of the languages spoken in Europe and parts of Asia, characterized by similar roots and grammar.

language family

a group of languages that share a common ancestral language, exhibiting similarities in vocabulary and structure.

languages

a group of languages that share a common ancestry and exhibit similarities in grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics.

lingua franca

a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers of different native languages, often used for trade and communication.

linguistic

pertaining to language or languages, often used to refer to the study of language structure, development, and relationships.

pidgin

a simplified form of speech that develops as a means of communication between speakers of different languages.

toponym

a place name, often reflecting the geography, historical significance, or cultural characteristics of a location.

animism (origin and diffusion)

A belief system in which natural objects and the environment possess spiritual significance or life. Animism is often associated with indigenous cultures and has influenced various religious practices worldwide.

Buddhism (origin and diffusion)

A major world religion founded in the 5th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. It emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a way to achieve enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

Christianity (origin and diffusion)

A major monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, originating in the 1st century CE in Judea. It emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the Son of God and the teachings outlined in the New Testament.

Ethnic religions

Religions that are closely tied to a specific cultural or ethnic group, often characterized by traditions passed down through generations and a strong sense of community identity. ex. Judaism and hindusim

Hindusim (origin and diffusion)

A major religion originating in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a variety of beliefs, practices, and rituals, including the worship of multiple deities and concepts like dharma and karma.

Indigenous religions

Religions that are native to a particular geographic area, often deeply connected to local cultures and traditions. They emphasize a relationship with the environment and the ancestral spirits.

Islam (origin and diffusion)

A monotheistic religion founded in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, characterized by the belief in one God (Allah) and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as the last prophet. It spread rapidly across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond through trade, conquests, and missionary activities.

Judaism (origin and diffusion)

A monotheistic religion that originated in the ancient Near East, characterized by the belief in one God and the teachings of the Hebrew Bible. It has influenced Christianity and Islam and is central to Jewish identity and culture.

Sikhism (origin and diffusion)

A monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century. Founded by Guru Nanak, it emphasizes the teachings of the ten successive Gurus and advocates for equality, community service, and devotion to one God.

Syncretic religion

that combines elements from different religious traditions, often resulting in unique practices and beliefs.

Universalizing religion

A faith that seeks to convert individuals globally, spreading its beliefs across cultures and regions, emphasizing the universal appeal of its teachings. ex. Christianity and buddhism