What does diaspora mean in cultural anthropology?

In cultural anthropology, the term diaspora specifically refers to the dispersion of a group of people from their original homeland. This phenomenon often occurs due to various factors such as migration, colonization, or economic challenges that compel individuals or entire communities to leave their ancestral places. When members of a diaspora settle in various regions, they maintain their cultural identities while also adapting to and interacting with the cultures of their new environments. This can lead to rich cultural exchanges and the creation of transnational communities where traditions, languages, and practices are preserved and transformed.

The other choices reflect different cultural concepts but do not encompass the precise meaning of "diaspora." For instance, the integration of multiple cultures within a society hints at multiculturalism, while assimilation refers to the process where minority groups gradually adopt the customs of the dominant culture. Establishing cultural festivals pertains to the celebration and expression of cultural heritage but does not capture the essence of movement or dispersion inherent to the concept of diaspora.