3.8 Key Notes Effects of Diffusion

Which of the following best describes the effects of cultural diffusion?

• It leads to the homogenization of cultures, making people of different places more alike.

• It leads to the loss of indigenous languages, religious practices, unique architectural styles, and artistic expression.

• It results in people in some places responding to globalization in ways quite different from those of people in other places, adopting and adapting some practices into their local culture while rejecting other aspects.

• It results in people in all places responding to globalization in the same way, rejecting all aspects of other cultures.

Which of the following is a common shortcut used to represent a smiling face in text messages in the United States?

• :)

• ^^

• :D

• :P

Which of the following best describes how smartphones and texting are an example of local adaptations?

• They are used to communicate across different languages

• Different cultures have developed their own methods of using them

• They are only popular in certain regions

• They are more efficient in urban areas

Which of the following is an example of acculturation as described in the passage?

• The Syndergaard family migrating from Denmark to the United States

• The Syndergaard family giving their children common Danish names

• The Syndergaard family eating Danish foods, including abelskivver

• The Syndergaard family's descendants still eating abelskivver, but having names common in U.S. culture, such as Susan, Jim, and Dave.

What is one reason why many immigrants are multilingual?

• They are required to speak multiple languages in their home country

• They learn multiple languages in school or work

• They speak Spanish or another native language at home and English at school or work

• They believe it increases their job prospects

Which of the following statements best describes the process of assimilation?

• Assimilation is when an ethnic group can no longer be distinguished from the receiving group.

• Assimilation occurs as ethnic groups become more affluent and leave their ethnic areas.

• Complete assimilation rarely happens and the one trait that is retained the longest is religion.

• The third and fourth generations of an ethnic group display a resurgence in ethnic pride by organizing festivals, learning their ethnic language, and revitalizing ethnic neighborhoods.

Which of the following is NOT an example of syncretism as described in the passage?

• American fast food with cuisine from another culture

• Snow skiing with inspiration from skateboarding and surfing

• Christmas

• German tradition of decorating a tree.

Answer explanation

The answer is D) German tradition of decorating a tree. This is not an example of syncretism because it does not involve the blending of two distinct cultural traits. Instead, it is only referring to one specific tradition.

Which of the following best describes the influence of jazz music on hip-hop freestyle rapping?

• Jazz musicians of the 1930s and 1940s were the main influence on the improvisation and creative rhythmic beats of contemporary hip-hop freestyle rapping.

• Jazz music had no influence on the development of hip-hop freestyle rapping.

• Jazz music played a minor role in the evolution of hip-hop freestyle rapping, but other genres had a greater impact.

• Jazz music primarily influenced the lyrics and storytelling aspect of hip-hop freestyle rapping, not the musical rhythms.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is A. Jazz musicians of the 1930s and 1940s were the main influence on the improvisation and creative rhythmic beats of contemporary hip-hop freestyle rapping. The passage states that Black jazz musicians of the 1930s and 1940s were a major influence on the development of hip-hop freestyle rapping, specifically their willingness to improvise and create new rhythmic beats freely while playing allowed creativity and expression of culture and emotion. Hip-hop rappers then incorporated this jazz freestyle rhythm and on-the-fly rhyming into their stories and poetic songs to express their views of inner-city America.

What is an example of a product or service created for the global market by adapting to local cultures?

• McDonald's designer coffees and pastries

• Coca-Cola

• Apple iPhone

• Ford Mustang

Answer explanation

The correct answer is a) McDonald's designer coffees and pastries. This is an example of a product or service created for the global market by adapting it to local cultures. McDonald's created the McCafé concept of designer coffees and pastries to attract customers in France. This blended model of fast food and coffee was so successful that it diffused back to the United States market. This is an example of syncretism.

Which of the following is an example of how multiculturalism enriches the lives of people in the United States?

• Corn, tomatoes, and potatoes being commonly eaten

• Peanuts and rice being introduced to the North American diet

• Bagels being first made by Jews in eastern Europe

• All of the above