Unit 3 Full Guide

Culture

Shared beliefs, practices, and material traits of a group.

Cultural Landscape

Human-modified environments that reflect culture.

Sequent Occupance

The layering of cultural influences over time.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural traits.

Culture Hearth

Origin of a cultural trait.

Cultural Convergence

Cultures becoming more alike.

Cultural Divergence

Cultures staying distinct due to isolation.

Material Culture

Tangible things (clothing, architecture, tools).

Non-Material Culture

Beliefs, traditions, values, language, and religion.

Language

Communication system that shapes identity.

Religion

Belief systems that influence traditions.

Customs & Traditions

Social practices passed down through generations.

Social Organization

Family structures, government, education.

Built Environment

Man-made structures (buildings, roads, monuments).

Agricultural Patterns

Farming techniques, types of crops.

Sequent Occupance

The idea that different cultures leave their mark on a place over time.

Relocation Diffusion

The spread of culture through the physical movement of people.

Expansion Diffusion

The spread of culture without the physical movement of people.

Hierarchical Diffusion

Spread from influential people or places first.

Contagious Diffusion

Spreads rapidly, affecting nearly everyone it contacts.

Stimulus Diffusion

A cultural trait spreads but is adapted or modified.

Globalization

Increasing interconnectedness of the world.

Lingua Franca

A common language used for communication between speakers of different languages.

Creolization

The blending of languages.

Cultural Blending

New languages, religious traditions, and hybrid cultures emerge.

Cultural Imperialism

Dominant languages and religions may suppress local traditions.

Positive Effects of Diffusion

Economic opportunities and increased cultural diversity.

Negative Effects of Diffusion

Loss of Indigenous languages and religious conflicts.