Cultural Landscapes
In a close-knit community, families gather every Sunday for communal feasts, singing traditional songs, and teaching dances that reinforce bonds and shared values passed through generations
What is cultural sociofacts?
A high-end fashion trend begins with celebrities wearing a specific designer’s clothing, which later trickles down to high street stores and everyday consumers
What is hierarchical diffusion?
A nation declares one language for all government operations, schools, and legal documents to ensure uniform communication
What is official language?
Two neighboring regions in a country argue over language use in schools, causing political tensions and making it harder to maintain national unity
What is centrifugal force?
Over generations, an immigrant family stops speaking their native language and fully adopts the customs and practices of their new country
What is assimiliation?
A family preserves a centuries-old handwoven rug displayed in their living room. It was made by their ancestors and used in traditional ceremonies, reflecting the craftsmanship and daily life of the time
What is cultural artifacts?
A social media trend starts with one post and rapidly spreads as users in nearby regions share it with their friends, creating a wave of participation
What is contagious diffusion?
Merchants from two countries with no shared language create a simplified communication system with elements of both languages to conduct trade
What is pidgin language?
A fertile river valley is the birthplace of an ancient religion that spreads its teachings to surrounding regions, shaping the culture and traditions of neighboring communities
What is cultural hearth?
A local religion incorporates elements from an introduced faith, blending rituals and beliefs into a new hybrid tradition
What is syncretism?
In a vibrant city district, visitors can explore streets lined with authentic ethnic restaurants, shops selling imported goods, and murals showcasing cultural heritage, all created by the community that lives there
What is ethnic neighborhoods/enclaves?
A global fast-food chain adapts its menu in India, replacing beef burgers with vegetarian options while maintaining the brand’s core menu style
What is stimulus diffusion?
Businesspeople from various countries communicate using English during international conferences, even though it’s not their native language
What is lingua franca?
During a national holiday, people across the country participate in celebrations, waving flags and singing anthems, which fosters a sense of pride and unity
What is centripetal force?
An isolated mountain community preserves its unique language, traditional dress, and religious practices, resisting outside influence
What is cultural divergence?
In a university gym, one floor is reserved for women, providing them with a comfortable, private space to exercise without concerns about sharing the space with men
What is gendered spaces?
A small group of immigrants moves to a new country and introduces their traditional cuisine, which becomes popular in the new area over time
What is relocation diffusion?
Two towns in the same region speak the same language but pronounce words differently and have unique slang terms that are specific to their communities
What is dialect?
Settlers from a European country establish colonies in Africa, imposing their own governance, language, and cultural practices while exploiting local resources
What is colonialism?
An immigrant family keeps their traditional food and holidays but adopts the language and fashion of their new country
What is acculturation?
A city shows layers of history: ancient ruins from a once-great civilization, colonial architecture, and modern apartment buildings, all reflecting different groups that once occupied the area
What is sequent occupancy?
A rural community’s traditional craft gains attention when featured in an urban gallery, leading to a nationwide appreciation of the handmade items
What is reverse hierarchical diffusion?
After decades of colonization, a community develops a new language combining the colonizer’s language with native grammar and vocabulary, which becomes their primary language
What is creolized language?
A powerful country extends its influence over another region, controlling its trade, resources, and government decisions while leaving local leaders in nominal power
What is imperialism?
A city hosts an annual festival celebrating its diverse communities, with parades, food, and music from different cultures
What is multiculturalism?