Unit 3 Chapters 7-8

Diffusion – The spread of cultural elements over space.
Lingua Franca – A common language used for communication between speakers of different languages.
Creolization – The blending of languages.
Relocation Diffusion – Language or religion spreading through migration.
Hierarchical Diffusion – Spread influenced by leaders or elites.
Contagious Diffusion – Rapid and widespread spread of ideas.
Stimulus Diffusion – The adaptation of an idea in a new culture.
Globalization – Increased cultural interconnectedness due to trade, migration, and technology.

Religions spread through relocation and expansion diffusion, often influenced by migration, conquest, trade, and globalization.

Type of Diffusion	Description	Example
Relocation Diffusion	Religion spreads through migration.	Christianity in the Americas due to European colonization.
Hierarchical Diffusion	Religion spreads from leaders or elites to the general population.	The Roman Empire adopting Christianity under Emperor Constantine.
Contagious Diffusion	Religion spreads rapidly among people in close contact.	Islam spreading across the Arabian Peninsula.
Stimulus Diffusion	Religious ideas adapt to local cultures.	Buddhism changing as it spread to China and Japan.

Christianity
- Origin: Middle East (Israel).
- Diffusion:
  - Relocation: European missionaries brought it to the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
  - Hierarchical: Roman emperors adopted Christianity, spreading it through Europe.
  - Contagious: Missionary activity and colonialism expanded the faith.
Islam
- Origin: Arabian Peninsula (Mecca & Medina).
- Diffusion:
  - Contagious: Spread quickly across the Middle East and North Africa.
  - Hierarchical: Muslim leaders expanded Islamic rule (Ottoman Empire).
  - Relocation: Muslim migration to Europe and the U.S. expanded Islam’s presence.
Buddhism
- Origin: India (Siddhartha Gautama).
- Diffusion:
  - Contagious: Spread through trade along the Silk Road.
  - Hierarchical: Adopted by emperors in China, Korea, and Japan.
  - Stimulus: Blended with local religions (e.g., Zen Buddhism in Japan).
Hinduism
- Origin: South Asia (India).
- Diffusion:
  - Relocation: Indian migration spread Hinduism to Southeast Asia and beyond.
  - Limited expansion diffusion since Hinduism is closely tied to ethnicity and geography.
Judaism
- Origin: Middle East (Israel).
- Diffusion:
  - Relocation: Jewish diaspora due to persecution (e.g., expelled from Spain in 1492).
  - Limited expansion diffusion due to ethnic identity.

Languages spread through migration, colonization, trade, and technology.

Type of Diffusion	Description	Example
Relocation Diffusion	Language spreads through migration.	Spanish in Latin America due to Spanish colonization.
Hierarchical Diffusion	Language is adopted by elites or governments.	English becoming the official language of former British colonies.
Contagious Diffusion	Language spreads naturally among populations.	The spread of slang and new words through social media.
Stimulus Diffusion	A language influences another but does not fully replace it.	Japanese incorporating English words into daily speech.

Indo-European Languages – The largest family, includes English, Spanish, Hindi, and French.
- Spread through European colonization, migration, and trade.
Sino-Tibetan Languages – Includes Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese.
- Spread through trade and China’s political influence.
Afro-Asiatic Languages – Includes Arabic, Hebrew.
- Spread through the expansion of Islam and migration.
Niger-Congo Languages – Includes Swahili, Yoruba, Zulu.
- Spread through trade and cultural interactions in Africa.

Lingua Franca: A language used for communication between speakers of different native languages.
- Example: English is a global lingua franca used in business, science, and diplomacy.
Creolization: The blending of languages, often in colonial settings.
- Example: Haitian Creole (mix of French and African languages).

Cultural Blending – New languages, religious traditions, and hybrid cultures emerge.
- Example: Christianity blending with Indigenous traditions in Latin America.
Economic Opportunities – English as a global business language increases trade.
Increased Diversity & Tolerance – Multicultural societies develop with religious and linguistic pluralism.

Loss of Indigenous Languages – Global languages like English and Spanish replace native tongues.
- Example: Many Native American languages have gone extinct.
Religious Conflicts – Differences in beliefs can lead to tensions and violence.
- Example: Religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India.
Cultural Imperialism – Dominant languages and religions may suppress local traditions.
- Example: French replacing Indigenous languages in colonial Africa.