Cultural Concepts and Diffusion

Flashcards covering key concepts of culture, diffusion, language families, and religion based on lecture notes.

What are the components of culture that can be described in terms of traits, artifacts, and mentifacts?

Culture traits, artifacts, and mentifacts are essential components of culture.

Define ethnocentrism.

Ethnocentrism is the practice of viewing one’s own culture as superior to others.

What is cultural relativism?

Cultural relativism is the practice of understanding a culture on its own terms without judgment.

What elements contribute to a 'sense of place'?

Elements such as architecture, land use, customs, styles of dress, and the built environment contribute to a 'sense of place'.

What can cultural landscape analysis reveal?

Cultural landscape analysis can reveal a location's history, development, values, and beliefs.

What is the difference between expansion diffusion and relocation diffusion?

Expansion diffusion refers to the spread of cultural elements while remaining in their original location, whereas relocation diffusion involves the movement of people and their culture to new locations.

Define contagious diffusion.

Contagious diffusion is the spread of cultural traits through direct contact and proximity.

What is linguistic divergence?

Linguistic divergence refers to the process by which languages become increasingly distinct from one another over time.

What factors contribute to linguistic convergence?

Factors such as SPEED (Social, Political, Economic, Environmental, and Demographic) contribute to the convergence of languages.

What are universalizing religions?

Universalizing religions are those that seek to appeal to all people regardless of culture or location.

Name three major world religions classified as universalizing religions.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are classified as universalizing religions.

What is cultural appropriation?

Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of one culture are adopted by members of another culture, often without permission.

Explain the concept of placelessness.

Placelessness refers to the loss of uniqueness of a place, often due to globalization and cultural homogenization.

What role does technology play in language preservation?

Technology impacts language preservation by facilitating the documentation and teaching of endangered languages.

What is a religious hearth?

A religious hearth is the geographic origin or starting point of a particular religion.