This phenomenon describes the tendency for cultures to become increasingly dissimilar over time. It involves the separation of a cultural group from its parent culture, leading to the development of distinct values, behaviors, and material artifacts. A classic example includes the linguistic evolution of Romance languages from Latin; while sharing a common ancestor, Spanish, French, and Italian have become significantly differentiated over centuries due to geographic isolation and varying influences from neighboring cultures.
Understanding this process is crucial in the study of human geography as it explains cultural variations and regional differences. Recognizing the factors that contribute to this separation allows for a deeper comprehension of political conflicts, migration patterns, and economic disparities. Historically, physical barriers, such as mountains or oceans, and sociopolitical factors, such as differing government policies or religious schisms, have been significant catalysts.
