Unit 3.1–3

Culture

Shared beliefs, values, behaviors, and material objects that are learned and passed down.

Cultural Trait

A single cultural practice or belief; basic units of culture that diffuse over space.

Cultural Complex

A collection of interrelated cultural traits; explains how changing one trait can affect many others.

Material Culture

Physical objects created by a culture, making visible its cultural landscapes.

Nonmaterial Culture

Beliefs, values, language, and norms that shape material culture.

Customs

Habitual practices that illustrate culture.

Values

Deeply held beliefs that influence cultural behavior.

Cultural Change

The evolution of culture due to diffusion, globalization, innovation, and interaction.

Cultural Landscape

The visible imprint of human culture on the Earth’s surface.

Natural Landscape

The environment before major human modification.

Sequent Occupance

The idea that different cultural groups modify the same landscape over time.

Built Environment

Human-made structures and infrastructure that shape daily life.

Toponym

A place name reflecting cultural values, history, or power.

Symbolic Landscape

Physical features that represent cultural identity or power.

Sacred Space

Areas designated as holy or spiritually meaningful.

Ethnic Enclave

A culturally distinct area inhabited by a specific ethnic group.

Sense of Place

The emotional meaning people attach to a location.

Land Use

How humans utilize land for cultural, economic, or social purposes.

Cultural Dominance

When one culture controls public space and visible landscapes.

Cultural Erasure

The removal or suppression of cultural features from a landscape.

Placelessness

The loss of uniqueness when landscapes become standardized.

Cultural Syncretism

The blending of multiple cultural influences into new forms.

Cultural Region

An area with shared cultural characteristics.

Formal Region

Uniform culture with clear boundaries, often defined by language or religion.

Functional Region

An area connected by movement or communication.

Perceptual (Vernacular) Region

Defined by shared perceptions and identity, can be subjective.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural traits across space and time.

Relocation Diffusion

Occurs when people migrate and carry culture with them.

Expansion Diffusion

Culture spreads outward while remaining strong at the origin.

Contagious Diffusion

Spreads rapidly through contact.

Hierarchical Diffusion

Spreads through centers of power.

Stimulus Diffusion

Idea adapts to local culture, often creating hybrid landscapes.

Acculturation

Adopting some traits of a dominant culture.

Assimilation

Full absorption into a dominant culture.

Cultural Convergence

Cultures become more similar.

Cultural Divergence

Cultures become more distinct.