The world can be divided into West (Occident) and East (Orient)
Describe the origins of this division, and
How are they...
different in culture?
language?
and religion?
Thanks for any and all help!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident
It doesn't give me any information about culture, language or religion?
I could have looked it up on wikipedia myself, but I was looking for a more credible source.
I thought this site was run by teachers and tutors.
Yes, we are teachers and tutors. However, the question you asked looks like your instructor wants you to consolidate what you've learned about the East and the West.
First, which continents do you consider Occident and Orient? What about Africa?
There are many differences in languages (hundreds in the Eastern Hemisphere alone) and many different religions. In the Orient, we have Japan, Vietnam, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, etc., each with its own cultures, religions, and languages.
The division of the world into West (Occident) and East (Orient) is a historical and cultural distinction that dates back to ancient times. It is important to note that this division is a simplification and generalization, and may not apply to all countries and regions. However, it can still be useful in understanding broad cultural differences.
1. Origins of the Division:
The division between the West and East has evolved over centuries, influenced by historical, geographical, and socio-cultural factors. One of the earliest distinctions emerged in ancient Greece, where the term "Orient" referred to the region east of Greece, including Persia (modern-day Iran) and other Asian territories. Later, during the Roman Empire, the term "Occident" was coined to describe the Western part of the empire, which encompassed Europe and parts of North Africa.
2. Cultural Differences:
a) Culture: Western culture, heavily influenced by Greek and Roman civilizations, is often characterized by individualism, democracy, scientific progress, and a focus on individual freedoms and rights. Eastern culture, influenced by various ancient civilizations like China, India, and Persia, often emphasizes collective harmony, hierarchy, respect for elders, and traditions.
b) Language: The division between Western and Eastern languages is vast and complex due to the multitude of languages within each region. In the West, languages like English, Spanish, French, and German are prevalent. In the East, languages like Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, and Arabic are widely spoken. These languages have distinct linguistic structures, scripts, and phonetics.
3. Religious Differences:
a) Western Religions: Historically, the West has been predominantly influenced by Christianity, with various denominations such as Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. Christianity shaped Western moral and ethical values and played a crucial role in the development of Western philosophy, art, and literature.
b) Eastern Religions: The East is known for its diverse religious traditions. Major religions include Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Taoism, and Sikhism. Each of these religions has its distinct beliefs, rituals, and practices, often emphasizing concepts like karma, enlightenment, interconnectedness, and the pursuit of harmony with nature.
It's important to recognize that these cultural, linguistic, and religious differences are generalizations, and there may be overlap or variations within each region or country. Also, cultural influences have shifted and evolved over time due to globalization, migration, and the exchange of ideas. Making individual generalizations can lead to oversimplification, so it's crucial to approach these distinctions with an open mind and consider the nuances within each culture.