whats the defenition of cultural diffusion??

Answer 1

Cultural diffusion refers to the spread of ideas and material culture, especially if this diffusion occurs independently of population movement.
Many anthropologists prefer cultural diffusion as an explanation for the spread of ideas and culture in the past, as opposed to theories based on the migration of peoples.
Anthropologists view diffusion as the "borrowing of traits between cultures."
Dictionary.com defines cultural diffusion as: "in anthropology, the process by which a cultural trait, material object, idea, or behavior pattern is spread from one society to another; also called diffusion"
Since cultures have never been completely isolated from each other, diffusion has happened throughout history, and continues on today.
There are three different forms of cultural diffusion:
Direct diffusion is when two cultures are very close to each other, resulting in intermarriage, trade, and even warfare. An example of direct diffusion is between the United States and Canada, where the people living on the border of these two countries engage in hockey, which started in Canada, and baseball, which is big in American culture
Forced diffusion occurs when one culture subjugates (conquers or enslaves) another culture and forces its own customs on the conquered people. An example would be the conquistadors that took over the indgenous population and made them practice the Christianity.
Indirect diffusion happens when traits are passed from one culture through a middleman to another culture, without the first and final cultures ever being in direct contact. An example could be the presence of Mexican food in Canada, since they have a huge country in between them.
Direct diffusion is very common in ancient times, when small groups, or bands, of humans lived in adjoining settlements. Indirect diffusion is very common in today's world, because of the mass media and the invention of the internet.

Cultural diffusion is a mechanism of cultural change. Other mechanisms include acculturation and independent invention.

(Window on Humanity by Conrad Phillip Kottak)

Answer 2

Cultural Diffusion- The spreading of ideas from one culture to another of which are not forced, such as the spread of religion.
Here are two other terms that are closely related to cultural diffusion that may be useful to you.
Assimilation-The incorporating of ideas into a culture and making them a part of that culture, often taking on new characteristics. Such as western clothing in eastern countries.
Cultural Imperialism-Forcing ideas to be incorporated into a culture. Such as the spread of political ideas of certain countries through war.

Answer 3

cultural diffusion is a weakening of someones culture by incorporating and inculcating certain aspects of other cultures such as a black man in a tie and suit. cultural diversity is a mixture of people of different cultures co existing but not necessarily (but possibly ) dilluting the potency of their culture by stealing a bit from everyone through the process of cultural diffusion.

Answer 4

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.