General terms:
* Cultural division: This is a broad term that simply refers to the separation of people into distinct cultural groups.
* Cultural fragmentation: This term emphasizes the breaking down of a unified culture into smaller, distinct units.
* Cultural segregation: This implies a deliberate separation of cultures, often due to prejudice or discrimination.
* Cultural pluralism: This term refers to the acceptance and coexistence of multiple cultural groups within a society. While it acknowledges distinct cultures, it emphasizes their positive contribution to a diverse society.
More specific terms:
* Ethnic division: This term focuses specifically on division based on ethnicity, which includes shared ancestry, language, religion, and customs.
* Linguistic division: This refers to division based on language differences.
* Religious division: This emphasizes division based on religious beliefs and practices.
Negative connotations:
* Cultural isolation: This term suggests a lack of interaction and understanding between different cultural groups, which can lead to prejudice and conflict.
* Cultural conflict: This term emphasizes the tensions and disputes that can arise between distinct cultural groups.
The best term depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize. For example, if you are discussing the negative consequences of cultural differences, you might use terms like "cultural isolation" or "cultural conflict." However, if you are discussing the positive aspects of cultural diversity, you might use terms like "cultural pluralism" or "cultural richness."
It's also important to consider the historical and political context of the division. For example, "cultural division" could refer to the historical segregation of racial groups in the United States or the ongoing conflict between different ethnic groups in a particular region.
Ultimately, the choice of term is up to you and depends on the specific message you want to convey.