APHG Culture MC Review Questions
Sometimes a diffusion process encounters barriers that slow or stop the spread of an innovation. Which of the following is an example of such a barrier? A A lack of infrastructure to support a new technology B A change in the price of energy C A jump from contagious to hierarchical diffusion D A transition from stimulus to contagious diffusion E A new form of media to broadcast information
A, A lack of infrastructure to support a new technology
The alignment of ancient Chinese cities toward the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) best illustrates the importance of which of the following factors in the shaping of these early cities? A Belief systems B Topography C Economics D Gender E Technology
A, Belief systems
In which of the following countries has the diffusion of Christianity met the most resistance? A China B Brazil C Italy D Mexico E South Africa
A, China
Which of the following best explains how Christianity became the dominant religion in the Philippines? A Christianity was brought to the Philippines through relocation diffusion when the Spanish colonized the Philippines in the sixteenth century. B Christianity entered the Philippines through the ministry of representatives from the Russian Orthodox church. C A secondary hearth for Christianity arose in the Philippines in the twelfth century, and since that time Christianity has remained the dominant religion in the Philippines. D Christianity entered the Philippines through contagious diffusion because of its proximity to Indonesia. E Export-oriented logging companies from Japan brought Christianity to the Philippines during the twentieth century.
A, Christianity was brought to the Philippines through relocation diffusion when the Spanish colonized the Philippines in the sixteenth century.
Toponyms in southern California reflect which of the following? A Cultural heritage of the settlers B Importance of time-space convergence C Growing influence of globalization D Significance of locational theory E Role of popular culture in American society
A, Cultural heritage of the settlers
Which of the following best accounts for the universal appeal of blue jeans? A Diffusion of popular culture B Adoption of unique folk culture C Impact of high income on clothing habits D Lack of barriers in communist countries E Need for durable clothing
A, Diffusion of popular culture
Which of the following best explains how immigration affects the cultural landscape of religion? A Immigrants often retain their religion during the process of acculturation, contributing to religious diversity within the cultural landscape of the receiving country. B Immigrant communities fuse their own religion with the dominant religion in the receiving country to create a syncretic religion. C Ethnic religions do not diffuse past their hearth, so immigrants must adopt a new religion when relocating to a new country. D Immigrants bring their religion with them when they relocate, and their religion quickly spreads to the overwhelming majority of citizens in the receiving country. E Immigrants' original religions disappear as immigrants fully assimilate into their new culture and adopt the dominant religion of the area.
A, Immigrants often retain their religion during the process of acculturation, contributing to religious diversity within the cultural landscape of the receiving country.
Which of the following is true of popular culture? A It is practiced among a homogeneous group of people in the world. B It is more static than folk culture. C It incorporates traits that diffuse quickly to a wide variety of places. D It spreads primarily by relocation diffusion. E It promotes regional diversity.
C, It incorporates traits that diffuse quickly to a wide variety of places.
Which of the following statements best explains why English is the most widely spoken language in North America? A The English language initially diffused to North America through the process of relocation diffusion. A number of colonies were established and settled by people from Great Britain. B The English language diffused throughout North America through the process of hierarchical diffusion. The language was initially spoken in cities and was gradually adopted by people living in rural areas. C The English language diffused to North America through the process of contagious diffusion. Christian missionaries were responsible for the spread of the language among the indigenous population. D The English language was established as the official language of all of the British colonies in North America. Over time, it diffused throughout the population from the colonial leadership to the population. E The English language became a widely spoken language in North America in the twentieth century. This primarily occurred as a way of unifying the immigrant populations in both the United States and Canada.
A, The English language initially diffused to North America through the process of relocation diffusion. A number of colonies were established and settled by people from Great Britain.
Which of the following best explains the Internet's homogenizing effect on global language patterns? A The English language is widely used on the Internet. B Social media applications commonly support dozens of different languages. C Many governments censor citizens' Internet access. D An increasing number of Internet users communicate exclusively through emojis. E The Internet accelerates communication so that people from different cultures can interact quickly and easily.
A, The English language is widely used on the Internet.
The sign shown in the image includes an Internet address for the county government. Explain how the sign illustrates the cultural tensions between traditional languages and English. A The Internet spreads the use of English as a global lingua franca, but the Internet is also a place where traditional languages can be communicated and thrive. B English is used for business and commerce on the Internet, while traditional languages such as Gaelic can only be heard in poems and music recordings but not written on the Internet. C The Internet is produced only in English; as a result, many traditional languages disappear due to the dominance of English-language communication. D Many countries ban the use of English-language Internet sites in an effort to resist the forces of globalization and protect their traditional languages. E English is being used less outside of the United Kingdom. Speaking a traditional language as a first language has become the norm in former British colonies.
A, The Internet spreads the use of English as a global lingua franca, but the Internet is also a place where traditional languages can be communicated and thrive.
Why are most South American population centers located at or near the coast? A The colonial economies were export-oriented. B The wars of independence damaged many inland cities. C Few Amerindian population centers were located on the coast. D Latin American armed forces have extensive plans for the defense of coastal sites. E The climate is generally warmer on the coast and cooler in the highlands.
A, The colonial economies were export-oriented.
The Gullah language is spoken in African-American communities of the coastal southeastern United States, particularly in South Carolina, Georgia, and northeastern Florida. It is a combination of Elizabethan English and African dialects. One can describe Gullah as a A creolized language B lingua franca C Sino-Tibetan dialect D language family E linguistic branch of the Niger-Congo family
A, creolized language
The spread of specialty coffee shops across the United States in the 1990s is an example of A hierarchical diffusion B contagious diffusion C stimulus diffusion D periodic movement E relocation diffusion
A, hierarchical diffusion
In contrast to folk culture, popular culture is typical of A large heterogeneous groups B indigenous groups C groups that have little interaction with other groups D small homogeneous groups E groups living in isolated areas
A, large heterogeneous groups
In the late nineteenth century, a large proportion of Swedish immigrants that came to the United States settled in rural areas of Minnesota. Descendants of these communities remain in Minnesota today, as shown on the map. Which of the following best describes the pattern of Swedish-American ethnicity within Minnesota's cultural landscape? A A diffused pattern of Swedish ethnicity evenly distributed across the state B A clustered pattern of Swedish ethnicity C A Swedish ethnic majority in the northern half of the state D A Swedish ethnic majority throughout the state E A single remnant area with a high percentage of Swedish ethnicity
B, A clustered pattern of Swedish ethnicity
The principal religion of Central and South America is A Eastern Orthodoxy B Roman Catholicism C Buddhism D Islam E Protestantism
B, Roman Catholicism
The world's three major monotheistic religions originated in which of the following regions? A East Asia B Southwest Asia C Eastern Europe D Western Europe E Africa
B, Southwest Asia
Chinese porcelain was highly valued in Europe for its beauty, style, and durability. However, imported porcelain from China was very expensive. Crafters in Germany and England developed new methods of making porcelain using feldspar and bone rather than the kaolin that was used in China. This new porcelain was viewed as having similar quality to Chinese porcelain, and the new methods continued to be used in Europe. This example describes what type of diffusion? A Relocation diffusion, because the Chinese brought their porcelain to Europe B Stimulus diffusion, because the Europeans adapted a Chinese concept to fit their own needs C Contagious diffusion, because people throughout the world adopted the use of porcelain D Hierarchical diffusion, because only the wealthy could afford porcelain E Expansion diffusion, because the porcelain-making process spread from China to Europe
B, Stimulus diffusion, because the Europeans adapted a Chinese concept to fit their own needs
If four languages have similar words for numbers and the names of fish, but different names for a certain disease, what might be concluded about the time at which the disease first diffused? A The disease spread among a population that later divided and evolved into four different languages. B The population divided and evolved into the four different languages, and then the disease spread. C The disease spread to two different populations that later divided into two different languages. D The disease and language spread to four different regions at the same time at the same rate. E There can be no conclusions drawn about the initial diffusion of the disease based on language.
B, The population divided and evolved into the four different languages, and then the disease spread.
Which of the following best exemplifies the diffusion of popular culture throughout the world in contemporary society? A The increasing popularity of a fashion trend that originates in a large city, such as New York, and spreads to small rural towns B The spread of an Internet meme via social media applications C The spread of a religion through the migration of adherents of the religion D The increasing popularity of a new band that spends a year touring cities around the world E The spread of new slang that becomes widely used in government-funded schools
B, The spread of an Internet meme via social media applications
Swahili in East Africa and English in global commerce are examples of A pidgin languages B lingua franca C standard language D creole language E official language
B, lingua franca
Which of the following originated in South Asia and subsequently spread throughout much of Southeast and East Asia? A Hinduism B Christianity C Buddhism D Sikhism E Confucianism
C, Buddhism
Which of the following areas has the greatest linguistic fragmentation? A Korea B Scandinavia C Caucasus D Argentina E Quebec
C, Caucasus
Which of the following is the belief that one's own culture is the best or better than other cultures? A Ethos B Prejudice C Ethnocentrism D Stereotyping E Acculturation
C, Ethnocentrism
Based on the two images, which of the following statements best explains the geographic process that took place as Islam diffused from its hearth? A Islam is confined to the Middle East because it is an ethnic religion that appeals to only one group of people in one region. B The diffusion of Islam has resulted in a cultural landscape in China that has been radically altered to reflect Islamic architecture. C Islam diffused hierarchically to the west through conquest and to the east through relocation via missionaries along trade routes. D The diffusion of Islam has had a minimal impact on regions to the west and east of its hearth in the Middle East. E The universalizing nature of Islam has allowed it to become worldwide in scope and the dominant religion in North America and Europe.
C, Islam diffused hierarchically to the west through conquest and to the east through relocation via missionaries along trade routes.
Which of the following best defines Carl Sauer's concept of cultural landscape? A It is the way people landscape their yards in different parts of the world. B It is the way houses of worship are built. C It is the outcome of interactions between humans and their natural environment. D It is a shared set of meanings and symbolic practices. E It is the human adaptation to Earth's physical environment.
C, It is the outcome of interactions between humans and their natural environment.
Which of the following does NOT act as a centrifugal force for a state? A Uneven development B Substate nationalism C Linguistic homogeneity D A fragmented territorial base E A strong tradition of local governance
C, Linguistic homogeneity
Which of the following is most accurate with regard to food preferences and taboos? A Food preferences are stronger than taboos as seen by the high consumption of beef on the Deccan Plateau. B Food preferences and taboos have little influence on the diet in Arabia and Southeast Asia. C Some foods are avoided for religious or cultural reasons even at the expense of a balanced diet. D Food preferences and taboos show little variability between cultures. E Low hog production in China demonstrates an avoidance of pork by the Chinese.
C, Some foods are avoided for religious or cultural reasons even at the expense of a balanced diet.
Cities in India have a competitive advantage over cities in China as locations for international consumer services, such as call centers and bill processing. This advantage has its origins in which of the following? A Low levels of primary-level education in China B The Indian government's status as a neutral state in global political affairs C The English language legacy of British colonialism in India D Large amounts of mineral resources found in China used to manufacture goods for export E Chinese emigration to Southeast Asia in the 1800s and 1900s
C, The English language legacy of British colonialism in India
How does the map illustrate global diffusion of the French language from its cultural hearth in Paris? A The map shows how French-language movies, music, and literature dominate global entertainment media. B The map shows how France was an ancient-culture hearth from which the French language spread through expansion diffusion. C The map shows how in many areas of the former French empire the language persists despite the independence of former colonies. D The map shows how French civil servants established schools in many parts of the French colonial empire. E The map shows how people's love of French food has facilitated the spread of the French language to many parts of the world.
C, The map shows how in many areas of the former French empire the language persists despite the independence of former colonies.
Which of the following can be an example of a centrifugal political force? A Homogeneous ethnic population B Strong central government C Variation of language within the country D Shift to tertiary economy E Concentrated ownership of media
C, Variation of language within the country
The term "cultural diffusion" refers to the A modification of Earth's surface by human actions B integration of behavioral traits within a group C spread of an idea or innovation from its source D relationship between human cultures and their physical environment E assimilation of a minority culture into the host society
C, spread of an idea or innovation from its source
Cultural landscape can be defined as A the types of art, music, dance, and theater practiced in a particular region B the ways that people in differing cultures perceive the environment C the forms superimposed on the physical environment by the activities of humans D the diversity of distinctive cultures within a particular geographic area E a particular area within a geographic region dedicated to cultural activities
C, the forms superimposed on the physical environment by the activities of humans
An ethnic neighborhood is best described as which of the following? A An involuntary community where people with similar values reside B A rural community where people with similar backgrounds are required to live C A voluntary urban community where people of similar origin reside D An area in the inner city where certain groups are forced to live E A city neighborhood that is undergoing population change due to immigration
C, A voluntary urban community where people of similar origin reside
A pilgrim to Varanasi (Benares) in India is most likely to be a A Christian B Jew C Hindu D Buddhist E Muslim
C, Hindu
Which of the following religions is appropriately matched with its region of origin? A Islam . . Egypt B Judaism . . Spain C Hinduism . . China D Buddhism . . India E Christianity . . Germany
D, Buddhism . . India
Identify which of the following concepts or processes is symbolized by the pagoda in the image. A Acculturation B Material culture C Assimilation D Cultural trait E Syncretism
D, Cultural trait
Which of the following language-location pairs best exemplifies the process of relocation diffusion of language in the twentieth century? A English in India B Mandarin in China C French in Canada D Hmong in the United States E Russian in Brazil
D, Hmong in the United States
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Hinduism? A It uses human and animal images in its sacred spaces. B Pilgrims bathe in holy rivers. C Religious functions most likely take place at home within the family. D It is a universalizing religion. E Sacred places are established by tradition.
D, It is a universalizing religion.
Which of the following is an example of an ethnic religion? A Islam B Mormonism C Buddhism D Judaism E Roman Catholicism
D, Judaism
The image shows a religious structure in Mexico City. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn based on the image? A Social class divisions determined by the Spanish aristocracy are evident in Latin American cities. B Socialist planning resulted in segregation of Mexico City. C Gentrification of the central market area of an urbanized zone led to an increase economic development. D Spanish colonialism influenced architecture of the cultural landscape. E Mass transportation systems were designed to alleviate traffic congestion.
D, Spanish colonialism influenced architecture of the cultural landscape.
Which of the following statements explains the regional location in the United States where the figures shown in the image are most likely part of the cultural landscape? A The Northeast, because residents are influenced by British Protestantism. B The Southeast, because residents are influenced by traditional religions from West Africa. C The Great Plains, because residents are influenced by Native American traditional religions. D The Southwest, because residents are influenced by Spanish Catholicism. E The Northwest, because residents are influenced by Russian Orthodoxy.
D, The Southwest, because residents are influenced by Spanish Catholicism.
The map shows the distribution of the language family that has the largest number of speakers in the world. Which statement correctly identifies the language family shown and the method of diffusion that best explains the pattern? A The map shows the distribution of the Amerindian language family, which diffused from its hearth in Canada and spread southward into South America through contagious diffusion and into Europe and Asia through trade and hierarchal diffusion. B The map shows the distribution of the Sino-Tibetan language family, which diffused from its hearth in China and spread into Europe by contagious diffusion and to the Americas through stimulus diffusion. C The map shows the distribution of the Uralic language family, which diffused from its hearth in Iceland and spread into northern Europe through contagious diffusion by Norse trading groups. D The map shows the distribution of the Indo-European language family, which diffused from its hearth in the Caucasus Mountains and spread throughout Eurasia through contagious diffusion and into the Americas, Africa, and Australia through colonialism and relocation diffusion. E The map shows the distribution of the Afro-Asiatic language family, which diffused from it hearth in Egypt and spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and into Eurasia through contagious diffusion and into the Americas through colonialism and relocation diffusion.
D, The map shows the distribution of the Indo-European language family, which diffused from its hearth in the Caucasus Mountains and spread throughout Eurasia through contagious diffusion and into the Americas, Africa, and Australia through colonialism and relocation diffusion.
The photograph shows a road sign in the Republic of Ireland. Which of the following best describes the sign's significance within the cultural landscape? A The sign indicates that County Cork is a linguistic region of the Republic of Ireland. B The sign delineates an international political border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. C The sign promotes the use of a single language in the region. D The sign promotes the use of traditional language among citizens of the Republic of Ireland. E The sign represents a uniform cultural identity within the region.
D, The sign promotes the use of traditional language among citizens of the Republic of Ireland.
Which of the following is a term used in the study of place names? A Isonyms B Phenonyms C Acronyms D Toponyms E Loconyms
D, Toponyms
Which scenario best explains the process of assimilation? A A family immigrates to a new country, settles near others from their homeland, and conducts most of their day-to-day activities within their ethnic neighborhood. B Despite the large number of historic churches in France, many French identify as nonreligious and believe that religion is a private matter. C The island of Mauritius has large populations of Christians, Hindus, and Muslims. The constitution of Mauritius prohibits discrimination and protects freedom of religion. D The American government educated Native American children in American-style boarding schools. All of the children were taught English, and girls were taught how to be homemakers. E Hinduism diffused from India to Bali, where it blended with traditional Balinese beliefs to create a form of Hinduism unique to Bali.
D, The American government educated Native American children in American-style boarding schools. All of the children were taught English, and girls were taught how to be homemakers.
A world map of hog production per capita would reveal the lowest values in which of the following regions? A The United States Midwest B Southeast Asia C Western Europe D The Middle East E China
D, The Middle East
Which of the following is an example of a cultural landscape? A Coastal wetland B Cloud forest C Stand of mangrove trees D Eroded shoreline E Adobe ruins
E, Adobe ruins
Cultural landscape is closest in meaning to which of the following? A Cultural ecology B Nonmaterial culture C Environmental determinism D Physical environment E Built environment
E, Built environment
The Indo-European language family includes the major languages of Europe and those dominant in all the following regions EXCEPT A Russia B Northern India C Iran D Eastern and Southern Australia E Central Asia
E, Central Asia
Which of the following correctly sequences the continuum from language family to dialect? A Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Arabic, Berber B Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, Mandarin, Chinese C Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Hindi, Bengali D Indo-European, Baltic-Slavic, Russian, Ukranian E Indo-European, Germanic, English, Midland-Northern
E, Indo-European, Germanic, English, Midland-Northern
Which of the following correctly lists the four major ancient culture hearths? A Central Asia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mesopotamia B Central Asia, India, Nile Valley, Southern Europe C Egypt, Mekong Valley, Middle East, Western Africa D Ethiopia, Ghana, Machu Picchu, Mongolia E Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, Nile Valley, North China
E, Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, Nile Valley, North China
The spread of the use of chopsticks into Southeast Asian countries with the influx of Chinese immigrants is an example of which of the following concepts? A Stimulus diffusion B Hierarchical diffusion C Assimilation D Acculturation E Relocation diffusion
E, Relocation diffusion
The state of California, often considered a hearth of environmental laws, will be the first state to ban plastic straws. Which of the following statements best describes the likely spread of this environmental practice? A This practice will likely spread via hierarchical diffusion when the president of the United States signs an executive order banning plastic straws in all states. B This practice will likely spread via social media and stimulus diffusion when other states enact identical laws banning plastic straws. C As regional news organizations report on the ban, this practice will likely spread through contagious diffusion only to western states adjacent to California. D Strong lobbying by the plastics industry will likely curtail the diffusion of the ban, and this practice will be limited to California. E Similar environmental laws will likely spread through stimulus diffusion to other states via political activism.
E, Similar environmental laws will likely spread through stimulus diffusion to other states via political activism.
GAELIC AND ENGLISH ROAD SIGN IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Which of the following best explains how the English language diffused to the location shown in the image? A This location is the hearth of the English language, and English is the area's traditional language. B English was the standard language of the Catholic Church and diffused to this location through religious practices. C English was voluntarily adopted in this location as a useful lingua franca. D English came to this location recently via imported popular culture such as movies and music. E The English language was imposed on this location through a process of economic and political domination.
E, The English language was imposed on this location through a process of economic and political domination.
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the concept of hierarchical diffusion? A The practice of selling pizza by the slice in America, whereas pizzas in Italy were traditionally sold as whole pies B The addition of hands-free driving features to cars manufactured by companies headquartered throughout the world C The migration of asylum seekers from Syria to Europe D The increasing popularity of Korean pop music around the world because of social media E The increasing sales of clothing brands endorsed by professional athletes to customers in Europe
E, The increasing sales of clothing brands endorsed by professional athletes to customers in Europe
Which of the following best explains the practice of placing indigenous children in boarding schools in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? A The schools were intended to promote multiculturalism by introducing European culture to indigenous youth. B Many schools appropriated indigenous culture by using tribal names for sports teams. C The schools represented a traditional cultural trait of many indigenous societies. D The schools were intended to blend indigenous and European cultures through syncretism. E The schools were intended to diffuse Christianity and assimilate indigenous youth into European culture.
E, The schools were intended to diffuse Christianity and assimilate indigenous youth into European culture.
The diffusion pattern of Walmart stores, which have spread from small towns to large cities throughout the United States, is an example of A relocation diffusion B contagious diffusion C stimulus diffusion D distance decay E reverse hierarchical diffusion
E, reverse hierarchical diffusion
At some point in their recent history, all of the following countries became divided into two political entities as a result of cultural or ideological conflict EXCEPT A Korea B Vietnam C Germany D Ireland E Japan
E, Japan
