UNIT 3 APHG (copy)

Creole language

A stable, fully developed natural language that has evolved from a mixture of different languages, typically formed in colonial settings where speakers of different languages needed to communicate.

Dialect

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

Isogloss

A geographic boundary within which a particular linguistic feature occurs, marking the limits of a dialect or language variation.

Isolated language

A language that has no known relationship with other languages, not part of any language family (e.g., Basque).

Language

A system of communication used by a particular community or country, consisting of written and spoken words and rules for combining them.

Language family

A group of languages related through descent from a common ancestor, called the proto-language of that family (e.g., Indo-European).

Lingua franca

A language used as a common means of communication between speakers of different native languages, often used in trade or diplomacy.

Logogram

A written character that represents a word or phrase (e.g., Chinese characters).

Official language

The language designated by law to be used in governmental affairs and legal documents within a country or region.

Pidgin language

A simplified form of speech that develops as a means of communication between speakers of different languages; it has limited vocabulary and grammar.

Agnosticism

The belief that the existence of God or the divine is unknown or unknowable; agnostics neither affirm nor deny the existence of God.

Animism

The belief that objects, places, and creatures possess spiritual essence; it is associated with indigenous religions.

Atheism

The absence of belief in the existence of deities; atheists do not believe in any gods or religious doctrines.

Branch (of religion)

A large and fundamental division within a religion (e.g., Christianity has branches such as Catholicism and Protestantism).

Denomination

A recognized autonomous branch of the Christian church or other religious group.

Ethnic religion

A religion associated with a particular ethnic group, closely tied to cultural identity (e.g., Judaism).

Fundamentalism

A strict adherence to specific theological doctrines typically in reaction against modernist theology, emphasizing literal interpretation of sacred texts.

Missionary

An individual sent on a mission to promote their religion in foreign countries or among different communities.

Monotheism

The belief in a single deity or god (e.g., Christianity, Islam).

Pilgrimage

A journey undertaken by believers to a sacred site for religious purposes (e.g., Hajj in Islam).

Polytheism

The belief in multiple deities or gods (e.g., Hinduism).

Sect

A subgroup within a larger religious tradition, often with distinct beliefs or practices (e.g., the Shia sect within Islam).

Syncretic

The combining of different beliefs and practices from various religions into one cohesive system.

Universalizing religion

A religion that seeks to spread its beliefs universally and attract followers from all over the world (e.g., Christianity, Islam).

Custom

A traditional practice or habitual way of behaving specific to a particular society or culture.

Ecumene

The inhabited land where people live; areas suitable for human habitation.

Folk/local/indigenous culture

Cultural practices and traditions specific to a particular community or group, often passed down through generations.

Habit

A repetitive act performed by an individual; can be personal behaviors rather than cultural practices.

Popular/global culture

Cultural elements widely disseminated and consumed across different societies, influenced by mass media and globalization.

Taboo

A social or cultural prohibition against certain practices, behaviors, or discussions considered unacceptable.

Acculturation

The process through which individuals adopt the cultural traits or social patterns of another group while retaining their original culture.

Apartheid

A policy or system of segregation based on race enforced in South Africa until the early 1990s.

Assimilation

The process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture and norms of another group, often losing their original identity.

Balkanization

The fragmentation of a region into smaller units based on ethnic or cultural divisions, often leading to conflict.

Blockbusting

A practice where real estate agents induce panic selling in white neighborhoods by suggesting racial minorities will soon move in, leading to segregation.

Ethnic cleansing

The systematic removal or extermination of an ethnic group from a particular area to create a homogenous population.

Ethnic enclave/neighborhood

A geographic area where individuals from similar ethnic backgrounds live together, maintaining their cultural identity.

Ethnicity

A shared cultural heritage based on common ancestry, language, history, and sometimes religion.

Genocide

The deliberate and systematic destruction of an ethnic, national, racial, or religious group.

Nationalism

An ideological movement promoting the interests and culture of one’s nation over others, involving pride in national identity.

Nationality

The legal relationship between an individual and a state, indicating membership in a nation with certain rights and obligations.

Race

A social construct used to categorize people based on physical characteristics, with significant social implications.

Racism

Prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their race; beliefs that one race is superior to another.