Effects of Diffusion
Introduced| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| cultural convergence/ˈkʌltʃərəl kənˈvɜːdʒəns/ | The process by which cultures become more similar through interaction and the spread of practices or ideas. |
| cultural divergence/ˈkʌltʃərəl daɪˈvɜːdʒəns/ | A culture becoming more distinct, often to resist outside influence. |
| acculturation/əˌkʌltʃəˈreɪʃn/ | Adopting elements of another culture through contact while retaining at least some features of the original culture. |
| assimilation/əˌsɪmɪˈleɪʃn/ | The adoption of another group's cultural practices and characteristics, often those of a dominant society. |
| syncretism/ˈsɪŋkrɪtɪzəm/ | The blending of elements from different cultural or religious traditions into a new combination. |
When cultures meet
- As culture spreads and meets other cultures, several outcomes follow.
- Cultures can become more alike, or more distinct.
- Diffusion both enriches places and threatens local traditions.
Convergence and divergence
- Cultural convergence 文化趋同 is cultures becoming more alike as they share traits.
- Global brands and English online are examples.
- Cultural divergence 文化分化 is a culture becoming more distinct, often to resist outside influence.
Acculturation 文化适应, assimilation 同化 and syncretism 融合
Cultures becoming more alike as they share traits is cultural...
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Cultural convergence = cultures growing more alike.
Blending and change
- Acculturation adopts some traits while keeping your own.
- Assimilation fully blends into another culture.
- Syncretism is two cultures blending into something new (like fusion food).
Which cultural outcome?
Sort each example as acculturation, assimilation, or syncretism.
Syncretism is when two cultures blend into something new.
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Syncretism = a new blend; assimilation = fully absorbed into one culture.
Fully blending into another culture and losing your own is called ____.
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Assimilation is complete absorption; acculturation keeps some of your own culture.
Select all true effects of cultural diffusion.
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Diffusion enriches, threatens, and reshapes culture; it does not change genes.
Match each term to its meaning.
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Acculturation keeps some; assimilation loses your own; syncretism creates a new blend.
Diffusion is not simply "good" (enriching) or "bad" (erasing). The same global spread that brings new food and music can also erode local languages and traditions. On the exam, weigh both the enrichment and the loss.
Fusion cuisine — like a Korean-Mexican taco — is syncretism: two food cultures blending into something new. Meanwhile, a small language dying out as its speakers switch to a dominant global language is a loss from the same process of diffusion.
Diffusion leads to cultural convergence (cultures grow alike) or divergence (a culture grows distinct). Contact produces acculturation (adopt some, keep some), assimilation (fully blend in), or syncretism (blend into something new). It both enriches and threatens.
Write from a festival as syncretism
- A local harvest rite is now celebrated on the date of a global holiday.
- Both sets of symbols appear in the same parade.
What cultural effect is this blend?
Syncretism combines elements from different cultures.
What is this blended festival?
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Both traditions are visible in one new practice.