Geography of Language Between 2500 and 3500 languages

Geography of Language

• Between 2500 and 3500 languages are spoken on earth today • Many languages have several dialects-regional variations in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary

Classification of Languages 1. Language Families • • Related to their prehistoric origin 50% of the world’s population speaks Indo-European languages

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

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

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?

What about the language of text messaging?

Standard Language • This is the accepted form of language with proper syntax, pronunciation, and vocabulary

Dialects • Variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, rhythm, or speed of language http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=E 0 d. MTg. A 5 mxg

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

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

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

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

Religious landscape • Structures of worship

Religious landscape Cemeteries

Religious landscape • Pilgrimage sites

Classification of religions • Monotheistic religions worship one deity.

Classification of religions • Polytheistic religions worship multiple deities.

Classification of religions • Animistic religions believe in the divine forces of nature

Classification of religions • Universalizing religions see themselves as being for all and seek converts. Which of these religions is Considered universalizing?

Classification of religions • Ethnic religions are practiced by people within one cultural group. Which of these is considered an ethnic religion?

Diffusion of religion • Conversion or missionizing

Diffusion of religion • Conquest

Diffusion of religion • Migration

Judaism • Origin: SW Asia • Diffusion: Jewish Diaspora took place in the 1 st Century Return to Israel in 20 th C

Jewish migration

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

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

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

Buddhism Origin: South Asia Diffusion of: Taken to E. Asia along trade routes. Today most practiced in E. Asia