Describe the effects of cultural diffusion in Southwest Asia. Explain what cultural

diffusion is, and then tell how different groups have reacted to modern ideas in

different ways

Culture refers to the way of life - beliefs, traditions, religion, dressing - of a particular people. When these beliefs, traditions, religion, language, dressings etc migrate or spread from one part of the world to another, then cultural diffusion is said to have occurred.

The world is a better place today because of cultural diffusion as it enriches the perspectives and horizons of people.

Southwest Asia, also known as the Middle east, comprises some of the following countries - Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Syria, Turkey. The people of these region are predominantly Arabs who are practising Moslems. The native language is Arabic.

However as a result of cultural diffusion, English language for example, has migrated to and is now being spoken in some of these middle eastern countries. Also western food like pizza, pasta, burgers etc are now common place in the middle east as a result of cultural diffusion.

In Saudi Arabia, where previously women are not permitted to do certain things including driving a car or playing some sports, as a result of cultural diffusion from the western cultures, women now drive on their own and can even go watch a game without the supervision of men. These are examples of where cultural diffusion has been accepted and changed the existing cultural traditions and beliefs.

When it comes to religion however, the middle east whose native religion is Islam, is still battling to accept Christianity and other world religions