World History & East Asian Studies Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering general historical terms, East Asian philosophies, religions, cultural influence, government, technology, and trade.

adversary

An opponent, enemy, or rival

arable

Suitable for growing crops; fertile enough for farming

assimilate

To adopt the culture, language, or customs of another group

bureaucracy

A system of government administration in which officials carry out policies and manage governmental functions; the organized body of civil servants who manage daily operations in government

caravan

A group of merchants, travelers, and animals traveling together, especially across deserts

conduit

A channel or means through which something is transmitted, such as goods, ideas, or information

eunuch

A castrated man, often employed in royal courts as an administrator, servant, or advisor

indigenous

Native to a particular region or place

kowtow

To kneel and bow deeply as a sign of respect or submission, especially before the Chinese emperor

pastoralist

A person whose livelihood is based primarily on raising and herding livestock

patriarchal

Relating to a society in which men hold most political, economic, and social power

philosophy

A system of ideas or beliefs about knowledge, existence, morality, and society

reticence

The tendency to be reserved, quiet, or reluctant to speak openly

steppe

A large, dry grassland with few trees, often found in Central Asia and Eastern Europe

strategy

Planning and directing actions to achieve a goal, especially in military or political affairs

syncretism

The blending of elements from different religions, cultures, or belief systems into a new tradition

tribute

A payment, gift, or acknowledgment given by one ruler, state, or people to another as a sign of loyalty, respect, or submission

filial piety

Respect and devotion to one's parents and ancestors; a key virtue in Confucianism

Confucianism

A philosophy founded by Confucius emphasizing moral integrity, social harmony, and proper relationships

five relationships

Confucian idea that society is structured through five key relationships (ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, friend-friend), each with defined roles

Daoism (Taoism)

A Chinese philosophy focused on living in harmony with the Dao (the Way), emphasizing nature, simplicity, and spontaneity

Tibetan Buddhism

A form of Mahayana Buddhism practiced in Tibet, blending Buddhist teachings with local spiritual traditions and led by figures like the Dalai Lama

Zen Buddhism

A Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing meditation, intuition, and direct experience over scripture

cultural diffusion

The spread of ideas, technologies, customs, religions, or cultural practices from one society to another

Mandate of Heaven

The Chinese belief that a ruler's authority came from heaven and could be lost if the ruler governed poorly or unjustly

sinification

The process by which non-Chinese societies come under the influence of Chinese culture, language, and political systems

Shinto

The indigenous religion of Japan focusing on kami (spirits), rituals, and nature worship

Koryo

A Korean dynasty (918-1392) known for its cultural achievements and the origin of the name "Korea"

Champa

A kingdom in present-day Vietnam known for its maritime trade and cultural exchanges with India and China

Grand Canal

A massive waterway system in China connecting the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, facilitating trade and communication

Song Dynasty

Chinese imperial dynasty known for its economic prosperity, technological innovation, and cultural achievements; followed the Tang Dynasty and was divided into Northern Song and Southern Song

Northern Song (960-1127)

Period of the Song Dynasty with its capital in Kaifeng; lost northern territory to the Jurchen

Southern Song (1127-1279)

Period of the Song Dynasty with its capital moved to Hangzhou; continued flourishing despite military pressure

civil service exam

A test based on Confucian texts used to select government officials in imperial China

meritocracy

A system where people gain positions based on ability and merit, not birth or wealth

scholar gentry

Educated elite in China who passed the civil service exams and held government positions

tributary system

A network of trade and foreign relations where other states paid tribute to China in exchange for trade rights and protection

Neo-Confucianism

A revival and reinterpretation of Confucian thought during the Song Dynasty, incorporating elements of Daoism and Buddhism

foot binding

A Chinese practice of tightly binding girls' feet to achieve a small size, symbolizing beauty and status

proto-industrialization

The early shift toward industrial production, often in rural areas, before full industrialization

Champa rice

A fast-growing, drought-resistant rice from Vietnam that boosted agricultural productivity in China

woodblock printing

A method of printing text and images using carved wooden blocks; used in China for books and art

Silk Road

A vast network of trade routes connecting China to the Mediterranean, facilitating exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures

caravanserai

Roadside inns along trade routes like the Silk Road where travelers and merchants could rest and resupply

Bubonic Plague

A deadly disease that spread via trade routes, especially during the 14th century, killing millions across Eurasia