Diffusion of Religion and Language

Introduction

• Focus on the diffusion of religion and language.
• Brief overview of the concepts.

Language

Proto-Language

• Origin of languages can be traced back to proto-languages.
• Proto-languages often predate written records.

Language Family

• Consists of various languages with common ancestry.
• Languages are genetically related.

Language Branch and Group

• Language Branch: Subdivision of a language family.
• Language Group: Part of a language branch; share similar vocabulary and grammar.

Example: Indo-European

• Demonstrates language family, branches, and groups.

Evolution of Languages

• Languages evolve over time due to cultural interactions.
• Words may acquire new meanings.
• Example: English shows various dialects and regional differences.

Dialects

• Regional variance in language form.
• Differences in spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation.
• Example differences: "pop" vs "soda".

Isogloss

• Boundary based on linguistic differences.

Religion

Categories

• Universalizing Religions: Aim to reach as many people as possible (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism).
• Ethnic Religions: Often remain localized and connected to specific ethnic groups (e.g., Hinduism, Judaism).

Universalizing Religions

Christianity

• Hearth: Eastern Mediterranean
• Monotheistic, Abrahamic religion.
• Key texts: Bible, Ten Commandments.
• Diffusion: Via hierarchical diffusion, colonialism, imperialism, relocation diffusion.

Islam

• Hearth: Eastern Mediterranean
• Monotheistic, Abrahamic religion.
• Founder: Muhammad
• Split into Shia and Sunni.
• Key text: Quran, follow five pillars of Islam.
• Diffusion: Through trade, relocation diffusion, war.

Buddhism

• Origin: South Asia
• No set deity.
• Founder: Siddhartha (Buddha)
• Belief: Salvation through the four noble truths and middle path.
• Diffusion: Contagious and relocation diffusion.

Sikhism

• Origin: Punjab region
• Monotheistic.
• Belief in 10 gurus.
• Limited diffusion due to geographical location.

Ethnic Religions

Hinduism

• Origin: South Asia
• One of the oldest religions.
• Beliefs: Karma, Dharma
• Sacred texts: The Vedas
• Diffusion: Stimulus and relocation diffusion.

Judaism

• Origin: Eastern Mediterranean
• Branches: Reform, Orthodox, Conservative
• Abrahamic religion.
• Diffusion: Mainly relocation diffusion due to war and persecution.

Cultural Impact

• Religions influence architecture, gender roles, clothing, food, worship practices.

Conclusion

• Summary of language and religion diffusion.
• Encouragement to practice further questions.
• Mention of additional resources for AP Human Geography.

Note: This is a high-level summary and the video encourages further exploration and practice.