Complex sentence: Traditionally, tea drinkers were regarded as the academic and cultural elites of the society; because, the practice of drinking tea was considered to be an expression of personal morality, education, social principles, and status.
Split into simpler sentences: Traditionally, tea drinkers were regarded as the academic and cultural elites of the society. The practice of drinking tea was considered to be an expression of personal morality, education, social principles, and status.