Cultural Geography
Diversity, Tradition, and Human Expression
What is Cultural Geography?
Cultural geography studies how human culture relates to the geographic environment. It examines how cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions shape and are shaped by the places where people live, exploring the rich diversity of human societies across the globe.
Elements of Culture
Language
System of communication including spoken, written, and signed forms that define communities.
Religion
Belief systems and practices that influence values, behaviors, and landscapes.
Customs & Traditions
Practices passed down through generations that define cultural identity.
Art & Architecture
Creative expressions and building styles that reflect cultural values and history.
Food & Cuisine
Culinary traditions reflecting local resources, climate, and cultural exchanges.
Music & Dance
Artistic expressions that preserve history and strengthen community bonds.
Cultural Regions
Cultural regions are areas where people share common cultural traits such as language, religion, or customs. These regions may cross political boundaries and evolve over time.
Anglo-American
Characterized by English language and cultural influences from British colonization.
Characteristics: English language, democratic institutions, Protestant Christianity
Examples: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Latin American
Region influenced by Spanish and Portuguese colonization with indigenous elements.
Characteristics: Spanish/Portuguese languages, Catholicism, mestizo culture
Examples: Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia
Islamic/Arab
Areas where Islamic religion and Arabic language have dominant influence.
Characteristics: Arabic language, Islamic practices, distinctive architecture
Examples: Middle East, North Africa, parts of Central Asia
East Asian
Region influenced by Confucian philosophy and Chinese cultural traditions.
Characteristics: Logographic writing systems, Confucian values, rice-based agriculture
Examples: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan
Sub-Saharan African
Diverse region with thousands of ethnic groups and languages.
Characteristics: Linguistic diversity, traditional religions mixed with Christianity/Islam
Examples: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana
Language Diversity
Cultural Diffusion
Relocation Diffusion
Cultural traits spread as people physically move from one place to another.
Example: Migration bringing languages and cuisines to new regions
Expansion Diffusion
Cultural traits spread outward while remaining strong in the origin area.
Example: Religious missionaries spreading faith while maintaining strongholds
Hierarchical Diffusion
Ideas spread from positions of authority or power to other locations.
Example: Fashion trends starting in major cities and spreading to smaller towns
Contagious Diffusion
Rapid, widespread diffusion through direct contact, like a disease.
Example: Social media trends or viral content spreading globally
Stimulus Diffusion
An idea is adopted but adapted to fit local context.
Example: McDonald's adapting menus to local tastes in different countries
Cultural Landscapes
Traditional Architecture
Cultural Festivals
Religious Sites
Urban Cultural Spaces
Traditional Crafts
Cultural Heritage Sites