1. Geography of Language

2. Between 2500 and 3500 languages are spoken on earth today
Many languages have several dialects-regional variations in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary
Some languages are spoken only by a few dozen people in isolated places. The Geographic pattern of language diffusion has shifted over time due to trade and migration.

3. Classification of Languages
Language Families
Related to their prehistoric origin
50% of the world’s population speaks Indo-European languages
Within a single language family the languages have shared but fairly distant origin. The Indo-European family stretches across the greatest territory with the greatest number of speakers.

4. Has common origins and shares similar grammar and vocabulary
2. Language Group
Has common origins and shares similar grammar and vocabulary
ex: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Romanian, and Catalan are classified under the Romance branch as part of the Indo-European family
Ex: Indo-European Language Family
Romance is the language Group
French and Spanish are the Individual Language

5. Spread of Language
1. Language spreads when speakers move and carry their language.
ex: European exploration and colonization beginning in 1500
2. Groups are dominated and adopt the new language
ex: European languages replaced Native American languages in North America

6. Changing Languages
Can occur slowly within a language
Can occur with new contacts with outside groups
Can occur when new technologies call for new words
Can you give examples of how language has changed?

7. What about the language of text messaging?

8. Standard Language
This is the accepted form of language with proper syntax, pronunciation, and vocabulary
This is the language that is published, widely distributed, and purposefully taught. So who decides? The people with power and influence. This is the language you would hear on a national news program or in the Presidential speech.

9. Variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, rhythm, or speed of language
Dialects
Variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, rhythm, or speed of language
These are variants of standard language along regional or ethnic lines. Accents can reveal the regional home of a person.

10. A simplified version of one language
Pidgin
A simplified version of one language
This is used for informal exchanges between cultures who do not know each other’s language
Creole
This occurs when pidgin is used enough to become a primary language
Ex: Swahili in East Africa
When people speak 2 or more languages and are in contact with each other they combine parts of their languages in a simplified structure and vocabulary. The key here is that it is simplified. When a pidgin language has developed a more complex structure and vocabulary and has become the native language of a people then it becomes a Creole language. For example Swahili which has traditional African as well Arabic (because of the Islamic traders that went into West Africa).

11. Lingua Franca
A third language adopted by people from different groups who cannot speak each other’s language. This is also known as the language of international trade
Ex: English, Spanish, and Chinese have become dominant. English especially because of the British colonial Empire

12. Paradise Valley, Arizona
Toponym: Any name derived from a place name. Can give a quick glimpse into the history of a place.
Rocky Mountains
Battle Creek, Michigan
Paradise Valley, Arizona
This is the study of place names. It can reveal the history of a place.

13. Religion
Determines our view of the world and our place in it.

14. Religious landscape Structures of worship
The religious landscape can tell us about a place. This is what we see on the cultural (built) landscape.

15. Religious landscape
Cemeteries

16. Religious landscape Pilgrimage sites
The image is of Mecca the holiest site for Islam.

17. Classification of religions
Monotheistic religions worship one deity.
Jainism, Christianity, Judaism.

18. Classification of religions
Polytheistic religions worship multiple deities.
The worship of more than one god. A deity is a God.

19. Classification of religions
Animistic religions believe in the divine forces of nature
The belief in nature and spirits.

20. Classification of religions
Universalizing religions see themselves as being for all and seek converts.
Which of these religions is
Considered universalizing?
Universalizing religions allow for people to convert to their religion. Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism are considered Universalizing religions.

21. Classification of religions
Ethnic religions are practiced by people within one cultural group.
Which of these is
considered an
ethnic religion?
They do not try to encourage people to convert. You are born into this religion. Hinduism, Judaism, and indigenous religions are ethnic religions. Ethnic religions are not widely practiced outside of their places of origin.

22. Diffusion of religion
Conversion or missionizing

23. Diffusion of religion
Conquest

24. Diffusion of religion
Migration

25. Judaism Origin: SW Asia
Diffusion: Jewish Diaspora took place in the 1st Century
Return to Israel in 20th C
Judaism is also found in urban areas of Europe and the US.

26. Jewish migration
There was a return to Israel after WWII.

27. Christianity Origin: Southwest Asia Diffusion of: To Europe when adopted as official religion of Romans. Taken to European colonies during colonial rule

29. Islam Origin: Arabian Peninsula 600’s AD Diffusion of: by conquest, trade, and seeking converts

31. Hinduism Origin: South Asia Diffusion of: not spread out of S
Hinduism Origin: South Asia Diffusion of: not spread out of S. Asia in great numbers. Relocation due to British rule.

32. Buddhism Origin: South Asia Diffusion of: Taken to E
Buddhism Origin: South Asia Diffusion of: Taken to E. Asia along trade routes. Today most practiced in E. Asia
Although it started in South Asia it is not really practiced there today. The majority of adherents are in East Asia.