AP Human Geography Unit 3: Culture and Language

Introduction

• Unit Focus: Major concepts from Unit 3.
• Resources: Study guide available in the ultimate review packet.
• Contents of Packet: Review videos, practice quizzes, answer keys, practice exams, vocab lists, exclusive videos, etc.

Culture

• Definition: Complex; no perfect definition.
• Types of Culture:
  • Material Culture: Physical objects, artifacts.
  • Non-Material Culture: Ideas, beliefs, values, language, customs.
• Examples: Japanese tea ceremony (material & non-material elements).

Subculture

• Definition: Group with distinct beliefs, values within a larger culture.
• Example: Unique school cultures, different grade/class cultures.

Types of Culture

• Modern (Pop) Culture: Originates in developed regions, hierarchical diffusion, individualism.
• Folk Culture: Homogeneous, relocation diffusion, community focus, preserves traditions.
• Indigenous Culture: Tied to geographic areas, traditional values, at risk from modern culture.

Cultural Perspectives

• Ethnocentrism: Viewing other cultures through one’s own cultural lens.
• Cultural Relativism: Evaluating cultures by their own standards.

Cultural Reflection in Society

• Cultural Landscape: Human modifications of natural environments.
  • Includes religious practices, language, infrastructure, architecture, land use.
• Architecture: Traditional vs. modern vs. post-modern styles.
• Sequent Occupancy: Cultural impacts over time on geography.
• Sense of Place: Emotional connection, influenced by human & physical characteristics.
• Placelessness: Lack of unique characteristics, identity.

Language, Religion, and Ethnicity

• Human Characteristics: Demographics, language, religion.
• Physical Characteristics: Natural features, climate, structures.

Diffusion

• Definition: Spread of cultural elements from one place to another.
• Types:
  • Relocation Diffusion: Physical movement.
  • Expansion Diffusion: Spread within area (contagious, hierarchical, reverse hierarchical, stimulus diffusion).

Historical Causes of Diffusion

• Colonialism & Imperialism: Spread of languages, religions, cultures.
• Creolization: New culture formation from two cultures.
• Trade & Commerce: Colombian Exchange, Triangular Trade, Silk Road impacts.

Contemporary Causes of Diffusion

• Technology & Globalization: Increased urbanization, communication, spread of ideas.
• Global Cultural Landscape: Homogenization, global cultural trends.
• Military Influence: Spread of American culture, English.

Religion

• Universalizing Religions: Seek to expand (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism).
• Ethnic Religions: Centered around specific groups, localized (Hinduism, Judaism).

Language

• Proto-Language: Earliest form of a language.
• Language Family, Branch, Group: Hierarchical categorization of languages.
• Dialects: Regional language variations.
• Isogloss: Linguistic boundary.

Effects of Diffusion

• Assimilation: Adoption of dominant culture, loss of original culture.
• Acculturation: Adoption of traits, retention of original culture.
• Syncretism: Blending of cultures to form a new one.
• Cultural Resistance: Barriers to cultural diffusion.
• Multiculturalism: Coexistence of diverse cultures.

Conclusion

• Study Guide: Check answers in the ultimate review packet.
• Practice Quizzes: Utilize additional resources for thorough preparation.