James Leigh, University of NicosiaJames Leigh, University of NicosiaTracy Bucco

Cultural Geography

Nature of Cultural GeographyPart 2

(Tracy Bucco)

This lecture’s reading

• Fellman, J. Getis, A. and Getis, J. (2005), Human Geography: Landscapes of Human Activities, Latest Edition, New York, McGraw-Hill.– Chapter: Introduction: Some

Background Basics

• Leigh, J. and Hill, S. (2007), Safari Through Culture, Behaviour and Communication, Nicosia, Afi (Touch) Editions.

Size and Map scale

• Map scale refers simply to the level of zoom in one’s focus or view of a site.

The Future of Asia, www.tsaparang.org

Location• Absolute: based on compass and

coordinates

• Relative: as from one place in relation to the other, next to, near, opposite, above, south of etc

The Future of Asia, www.tsaparang.org

Direction

• Absolute: based on the compass direction

• Relative; as related to one place, e.g. down south, back west etc

Distance measuring• Absolute distance:

as measured in alineal unit like feetor miles, metersor kilometers

• Relative Distance:as measured inelastic terms like how long it takes or how much it costs to get there

(Fellmann et al)

Interrelations between places• Accessibility/proximity: all else being equal “closer

means a stronger interrelation”, also includes concepts like travel time, cost and network of communion frequencies

• Connectivity: ways in which places are connected• Spatial diffusion: dispersion of ideas and ways from

origin to distant points. Rate and extent of diffusion affected by distance, population densities, communication means, advantages and prestige of the innovation

• Globalization: implies increasing worldwide interconnection of peoples

VIDEO• What is Geography?

Video – “Geography – What in the world is it?”

(7 minutes)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHFaMnbcTcs&feature=related

Cultural Geography main concepts

1. Culture Region2. Cultural Diffusion3. Cultural Ecology4. Cultural Interaction5. Cultural Landscape

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1. Culture region

• Geographical unit based on specific characteristics and functions of culture

• Three types1. Formal

2. Functional

3. Vernacular

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Formal culture region

• Area of people with one or more cultural traits in common– German language– Wheat farming– Inuit (Eskimo) area

• Border zonesnot lines ascharacteristics blend

• Core from whichdefining characteristics weaken

German language, http://library.stmarys-ca.edu/subjects/lit/german/index.html

Formal culture regions: Australian land use(Fellmann et al)

Functional culture region• Need not be cultural homogeneous, but organized to

function politically, socially or economically– City– Country– Trade area– Farm– Bank– Factory

• Probably clearly marked borders – exception daily newspaper circulation

• Has a node from which function radiates

Subsistence (Formal)

&nations

(Functional)Cultural regions

in Africa

Culture regions, http://teacherweb.ftl.pinecrest.edu/snyderd/APHG/projects/MUN-BC/maps/culture-2000.jpg

Vernacular culture region• Perceived to exist by people – e.g. Dixie region in

South East America.• Grows out of a sense of belonging

Dixieland

Dixieland, http://www.city-data.com/forum/general-u-s/70876-states-do-you-consider-south-57.html

• Many visual items are used in the course.• They have been collected in “notes” over several years.• If any items are unreferenced please let us know.• We would be happy to give credits.• James Leigh, University of Nicosia

(Tracy Bucco)