Which term refers to the spread of ideas, customs, and technologies from one people to another?

• A. The absorption of foreign influences with local meanings
• B. A form of environmental diffusion
• C. The dominance of one culture over another
• D. The spread of ideas, customs, and technologies from one people to another

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is cultural diffusion—the spread of ideas, customs, and technologies from one people to another. Diffusion describes how cultural elements move across boundaries through trade, migration, conquest, media, and contact, often blending with local practices as they are adopted. The option that defines the process in these terms fits best because it names the diffusion of culture between groups.

The other descriptions describe different concepts: absorption of foreign influences with local meanings points to acculturation or syncretism, not the general process of spread; a form of environmental diffusion isn’t a standard way to describe cultural exchange; and the dominance of one culture over another refers to cultural imperialism, not diffusion.