Culture
Hindu people in India are not supposed to eat beef, Jewish and Muslim people are not supposed to eat pork, these are examples of...
taboo
Explain why English spoken in the U.S. today is different than English spoken in England in the 1400s.
Because of separation over time and cultural influences, leading to different accents and vocabulary.
Buddhist ideas spread along the Silk Road (major Asian trade routes that lasted over 1,000 years), it appealed to the masses because anyone of any background could reach enlightenment. This is evidence that it is a __________ religion.
A. Universalizing.
B. Ethnic
Universalizing
Yoga changing from a spiritual practice in India to fitness in the U.S. is what diffusion?
Stimulus diffusion because it changes form while spreading.
TikTok trends spreading rapidly worldwide are an example of what diffusion, and why?
Contagious diffusion because it spreads around
A fast-food chain removes beef from its menu in India. Explain why this happens and what type of cultural diffusion it is.
This happens because companies adapt to local cultural beliefs (Hindu views on cows).
This is stimulus diffusion.
Why do languages change over time?
Because of technology, distance, or cultural interactions
Why do Sikhs grow out their hair and wear turbans?
-not cutting hair--> honoring God's vision
-turban used to be only for kings--> sign of equality
-very visible--> Sikhs want to stand out so if someone needed help, they know who to turn to
Why is Spanish spoken in a lot of Latin America, but Portuguese is spoken in Brazil?
What kind of cultural diffusion was this?
Because Spain colonized most of Latin America, while Portugal colonized Brazil.
Colonization: relocation diffusion but also hierarchical (can also argue that this is a form of stimulus diffusion because Latin American Spanish is different than Spanish spoken in Spain)
Nike shoes becoming popular after athletes promote them is what diffusion?
Hierarchical diffusion because it spreads through influential people.
Explain what is material culture and what is nonmaterial culture and give an example for each
→Material: The physical, visible objects a group creates and uses. These are things you can see, touch, or use. (clothes, architecture, etc.)
→ Nonmaterial:The invisible ideas and beliefs that shape how people think and behave. (language, religion, values, etc.)
Russian has separate words for light blue and dark blue, while English uses just “blue.” Explain how this might affect how speakers notice or categorize colors.
Because having separate words can make people more likely to distinguish between shades quickly, showing how language shapes perception.
What is something that the Dharmic religions (Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism) all have in common?
-karma
-dharma (life's purpose)
-cycle of samsara (suffering, attachment, reincarnation)
How does McDonalds show stimulus diffusion worldwide?
-adapting to vegetarian Buddhist countries, pork-free countries, etc.
Where is the cultural hearth for Judaism and Christianity?
Jerusalem
Multiculturalism is the presence and coexistence of diverse cultural groups within a society,.
Examples in the U.S.
Why are many Indigenous languages endangered today?
Because of colonization, forced assimilation, and dominance of major languages like English.
Name and explain each of the 5 pillars of Islam
Shahada is the declaration of faith in Islam where a person states that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet. This is important because it is the foundation of the religion and shows a person’s full commitment to Islamic belief.
Salat is the practice of praying five times a day facing Mecca. It is important because it keeps Muslims connected to Allah throughout the day and builds discipline by structuring daily life around faith.
Zakat is the act of giving money or resources to those in need. This is important because it reduces inequality in society and reminds Muslims to be generous and responsible toward others in their community.
Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset, meaning Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. This is important because it develops self-control, spiritual reflection, and empathy for people who experience hunger.
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims are expected to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. This is important because it brings Muslims from around the world together in unity and reinforces equality and devotion to God.
A new fashion trend starts in Tokyo and is later seen in Chicago, then spreads to smaller cities like Des Moines and Saint Louis. What type of diffusion is this, and why?
This is hierarchical diffusion because the trend spreads from major influential cities to smaller cities, showing that ideas move through a ranked system of urban importance.
What is the cultural hearth for Islam?
Where do Muslims go for the Hajj?
(Full points if you can point to it on a map)
Saudia Arabia
City of Mecca
In Japan, bowing is used instead of handshakes. Explain what this reveals about their cultural values.
Because Japanese culture emphasizes respect and formality, nonverbal communication like bowing reflects hierarchy and politeness.
Explain one consequence of language extinction beyond just “losing words.”
Loss of cultural knowledge, traditions, and history.
What makes Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy all different?
Catholicism
Orthodoxy
Protestantism
U.S. movies are watched all over the world, from theaters to streaming platforms.
Explain which two cultural diffusion models help spread American movies globally and how each one works.
American movies spread through hierarchical diffusion because large companies like Hollywood studios and famous actors promote films through powerful global networks, influencing audiences worldwide.
They also spread through contagious diffusion because people share and recommend movies through social media and streaming, allowing them to spread quickly from person to person across different countries.
Is Hinduism monotheistic or polytheistic?
it's polymorphic monotheistic (one creator god led to the other gods' existence, but different traditions prioritize different gods like Vishmu and Shiva)