HGAP Unit 3 Vocabulary

Acculturation

The adoption of cultural traits, such as language, by one group under the influence of another.

Assimilation

Process of less dominant cultures losing their culture to a more dominant culture

Buddhism

Belief system that started in India in the 500s BC. Happiness can be achieved through removal of one's desires. Believers seek enlightenment and the overcoming of suffering.

centrifugal force

a force that divides people and countries

centripetal force

An attitude that tends to unify people and enhance support for a state

Christianity

Monotheistic religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices.

Colonialism

Attempt by one country to establish settlements and to impose its political, economic, and cultural principles in another territory.

Contagious Diffusion

the rapid, widespread spread of a characteristic throughout the population

creolized language

A language that results from the mixing of a colonizer's language with the indigenous language of the people being dominated. A pidgin language that has become more popular and formal

Cultural convergence

the contact and interaction of one culture with another

Cultural divergence

The likelihood or tendency for cultures to become increasingly dissimilar with the passage of time.

Cultural landscape

the visible imprint of human activity and culture on the physical & built environment

Cultural relativism

the practice of judging a culture by its own standards; can lead to multi

Culture

Beliefs, customs, and traditions of a specific group of people. Included tangible and intangible aspects.

culture trait

a single attribute of a culture

Dialect

A regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.

Diffusion

The process of spread of a feature or trend from one place to another over time

Ethnic Neighborhood

an area within a city containing members of the same ethnic background

Ethnic religions

religion appealing primarily to one group of people living in one place (Judaism)

Ethnicitiy

Based on culture, Identity with a group of people

Ethnocentrism

Belief in the superiority of one's nation or ethnic group.

Expansion Diffusion

The spread of a feature or trend among people from one area to another in a snowballing process.

Gender roles

sets of behavioral norms assumed to accompany one's status as male or female

Hearths

Regions from which innovative ideas originate.

Hierarchical Diffusion

The spread of an idea from persons or nodes of authority or power to other persons or places

Hinduism

A religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being who takes many forms

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Indigenous communities

original inhabitants of an area (eg Native Americans, Aboriginals, Maori, First Nations)

Indo

European languages

Islam

A religion based on the teachings of the prophet Mohammed which stresses belief in one god (Allah), Followers are called Muslims. Began in Mecca

Judaism

the monotheistic religion of the Jews having its spiritual and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Torah and in the Talmud

language

our spoken, written, or signed words and the ways we combine them to communicate meaning

language families

large groups of languages having similar roots

lingua franca

a language used among speakers of different languages for the purposes of trade and commerce

linguistic

having to do with the structure of language

Multiculturalism

A perspective recognizing the cultural diversity and promoting equal standing for all cultural traditions

Post Modern Architecture

A reaction in architectural design to the feeling of sterile alienation that many people get from modern architecture. Uses older, historical styles and a sense of lightheartedness and eclecticism. Buildings combine pleasant

Race

Based on physical characteristics derived from biological differences sometimes stemming from environmental adaptations

Relocation diffusion

The spread of a feature or trend through movement of people from one place to another.

sequent occupance

the notion that successive societies leave their cultural imprints on a place, each contributing to the cumulative cultural landscape

Sikhism

the doctrines of a monotheistic religion founded in northern India in the 16th century by Guru Nanak

Stimulus Diffusion

The spread of an underlying principle, even though a specific characteristic is rejected.

Syncretism

The unification or blending of opposing people, ideas, or practices, frequently in the realm of religion

Time

space convergence

Toponyms

place names

traditional architecture

buildings use building materials available and reflect social/environmental customs of the people eg log cabins

Universalizing Religion

A religion that attempts to appeal to all people, not just those living in a particular location.