1. World Languages and Religions

2. Geography of Languages Language is important to culture because it is the main means of communication Languages have spatial characteristics. Spoken in specific regions of the world Languages can make a place distinctive (Brazil- Portuguese, Rest of South America-Spanish)

3. 3,000 to 6,500 languages spoken today, language with the most speakers is Mandarin Chinese. Speakers of any one language might use a particular dialect- a regional variety of languages Example: British English and American English are both dialects of the same language. Dialects contain distinctive words and pronunciation Ay yous guys!!! Hey Y’all!!!

4. Geographers study where a language comes from and how it has spread. English has become the most widespread language in the world. English comes from Anglo-Saxon. English spread rapidly when the British began to colonize the new world. English is the main language of globalization and the Internet English has become a lingua franca- a language of trade and communication.

5. Geography of Religion Religion is a key culture trait that binds many societies together Religion can affect buildings, behavior, land, and create conflicts There are three main types of religions – Ethnic – Animist – Universalizing

6. Ethnic Religions One ethnic group, has not spread Do not seek to convert people to their beliefs Practice religion as part of ethnic heritage Examples: – Hinduism (largest ethnic religion) in India – Confucianism and Taoism in China – Judaism in Israel

7. Animist Religions Believe in the presence of the spirits and forces of nature Polytheism, belief in many gods, is a big part of animist religions Common in many traditional societies and likely practiced before modern types of religions became common Examples- Ancient Greek gods and goddesses; Native Americans worshiping the sun.

8. Universalizing Religions Seek followers around the world More than ½ of the world believe in one of these religions Christianity and Islam – Each based on monotheism (belief in one god) – Have missionaries- people who spread the religion

9. Religion can have an affect on daily life – Islamic countries- people stop lives to pray several times a day, face toward Mecca the center of Islam Religion has declined in some places of the world – Europe is seeing a decline in the number of people actively participating in religious activities

10. United States Physical Map Label the following: – Appalachian MountainsGulf Of California – Rocky MountainsGulf of Mexico – Mt. McKinleyGreat Basin – Great Lakes- Each one!Great Plains – Mississippi RiverCoastal Plain – Colorado RiverRio Grande After Test: Label the Map!!