Chapter 5.3 World Languages and Religions Pg. 100

Geography of Languages Language is one of the most important areas of geography. Languages have spatial characteristics. They are spoken in specific regions of the world. Languages are broken up into families. Look at pg. 101.

Continued The language with the most speakers is Mandarin Chinese. Speakers of one language might use a particular dialect. A dialect is a regional variety of a language. English is the most widespread language in the world. Spread because of British colonization.

Geography of Religion A key culture trait that binds many societies together and gives meaning to peoples lives. Religions differ from place to place and produce culture traits that can be mapped. Example: Religious buildings where types of behavior are required. Also conflicts between religious groups.

Continued Geographers identify three main types of religions. Ethnic religions focus on one ethnic group and generally have not spread into other cultures. They do not seek to convert people to their religion. Example: Hinduism.

Continued Animist religions – believe in the presence of spirits and the forces of natures. Polytheism, or the belief in many gods, is the key to these religions. Practiced before many of the more modern religions.

Universalizing religions Seek followers all over the world. They hope to appeal to people all over the world. More than half of the worlds people follow these religions. Each is based on monotheism, the belief in one God. Also have missionaries that help spread it to all parts of the world. Christianity and Islam

continued Provides a rhythm to daily life. In Islamic countries people stop to pray several times per day. Islam places of worship are called mosques. In some places religion has declined. These are secular, or non religious places.

Continued Look at pages