Professional Anthropology Vocabulary

Word Origin: The word "ethnography" comes from the Greek words "ethnos" meaning "people" and "grapho" meaning "to write." Therefore, ethnography literally means "writing about people." It is a research method used in cultural anthropology to study and document the customs, behaviors, beliefs, and social structures of specific human societies. Ethnographers immerse themselves in the culture they are studying, often living among the people for an extended period of time to gain a deep understanding of their way of life.

Word Origin: The word "culture" comes from the Latin word "cultura," which originally meant "tillage" or "cultivation." In the context of cultural anthropology, the term was first used in the 19th century by Edward Burnett Tylor, who defined it as "that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society." The concept of culture in anthropology refers to the shared beliefs, values, practices, and norms that characterize a particular group of people, shaping their worldview and behaviors.

Word Origin: The term "cultural diffusion" in the context of cultural anthropology comes from the Latin word "diffusio," meaning "spreading" or "pouring out." The concept of cultural diffusion refers to the spread of cultural beliefs, practices, and customs from one society to another through various means such as trade, migration, conquest, or communication. Cultural diffusion is a key concept in cultural anthropology as it helps to explain how cultures interact and influence each other over time.

Word Origin: The term "participant observation" in the context of Cultural Anthropology is a methodological approach that involves the researcher actively participating in the culture or community being studied while also observing and documenting their experiences. The word "participant" comes from the Latin word "participans," which means "taking part in" or "sharing in." The term "observation" comes from the Latin word "observatio," which means "watching" or "paying attention to." Therefore, the etymology of the term "participant observation" suggests that it involves actively taking part in and sharing in the experiences of the culture or community being studied, while also carefully watching and paying attention to the behaviors, rituals, and interactions that take place within that cultural context.

Word Origin: The term "cultural ecology" was first used by the American anthropologist Julian Steward in the mid-20th century. Steward was interested in the ways in which cultures adapt to their environments and how human societies interact with their surroundings. He believed that understanding the relationship between culture and the environment was essential for studying human societies. The word "ecology" comes from the Greek word "oikos," meaning "house" or "household," and "logos," meaning "study" or "science." In the context of cultural anthropology, cultural ecology refers to the study of how human societies adapt to and interact with their environments. This includes how cultures use resources, organize their societies, and shape their environments in response to ecological conditions. Overall, cultural ecology in cultural anthropology focuses on understanding the complex and dynamic relationships between culture and the environment, and how these interactions shape human societies over time.

Word Origin: The term "cultural relativism" in the context of Cultural Anthropology is derived from the combination of two words: "cultural" and "relativism." - "Cultural" refers to anything related to culture, which encompasses the beliefs, customs, and social behaviors of a particular group of people. - "Relativism" is a philosophical concept that suggests that there is no absolute truth or universal standard by which to judge or evaluate different beliefs, practices, or values. Instead, it asserts that such things should be understood within the specific cultural context in which they exist. Therefore, cultural relativism in Cultural Anthropology refers to the idea that one must understand and analyze cultures on their own terms, without imposing one's own cultural values or judgments. It emphasizes the importance of considering the cultural beliefs and practices of a society within the context of that society's own history, traditions, and social structures.

Word Origin: The term "social organization" in the context of Cultural Anthropology is derived from the combination of the Latin word "socius" meaning "companion" or "ally" and the Old French word "organization" meaning "the action of organizing something." Together, these words refer to the structured arrangements and relationships within a society or culture that govern social interactions, roles, and hierarchies. In Cultural Anthropology, social organization refers to the patterns of social relations, institutions, and norms that shape the way individuals and groups interact and organize themselves within a society.

Word Origin: The word "kinship" comes from the Old English word "cynn," meaning "family" or "race," and "sibb," meaning "relationship" or "alliance." In the context of cultural anthropology, kinship refers to the social relationships and connections between individuals based on blood ties, marriage, or other forms of social bonding within a particular society or culture. The concept of kinship is central to understanding social organization, family structures, and the transmission of cultural norms and values within a society.

Word Origin: Physical anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of human biology, evolution, and variation. The term "physical anthropology" comes from the Greek words "physis" meaning "nature" and "anthropos" meaning "human." Therefore, physical anthropology can be translated as the study of the physical nature of humans. The discipline has its roots in the 19th-century scientific study of human evolution and has since evolved to encompass a wide range of topics including genetics, primatology, paleoanthropology, and human adaptation.

Word Origin: The word "evolution" in the context of physical anthropology comes from the Latin word "evolutio," which means "unrolling" or "unfolding." It was first used in a biological context by Charles Darwin in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, where he proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection. In physical anthropology, evolution refers to the process by which organisms change over time through genetic variation and natural selection, leading to the development of new species and the diversity of life on Earth.

Word Origin: The word "Primates" comes from the Latin word "primas," which means "first" or "chief." In the context of Physical Anthropology, primates refer to a group of mammals that includes humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians. The name reflects the belief that primates are the highest order of mammals, with humans being considered the "chief" or "first" among them.

Word Origin: The word "hominids" comes from the Latin word "hominidēs," which is a plural form of "hominis" meaning "human." It is derived from the Latin word "homo," which means "man" or "human being." In the context of Physical Anthropology, hominids refer to a group of primates that includes modern humans and their ancestors, as well as other closely related species such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.

Word Origin: The word "genetics" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "genetikos," which means "genitive" or "genit-, genit-." In the context of Physical Anthropology, genetics refers to the study of how biological traits are inherited and passed down from one generation to the next.

Word Origin: The word "fossils" comes from the Latin word "fossilis," which means "dug up." It was first used in the early 17th century to refer to any remains, impressions, or traces of ancient organisms that have been preserved in the Earth's crust. In the context of physical anthropology, fossils are crucial in studying human evolution and understanding the history of our species.

Word Origin: The word "adaptation" in the context of Physical Anthropology comes from the Latin word "adaptatio," which means "fitting, adjustment." It is derived from the verb "adaptare," which means "to fit, to adjust." In Physical Anthropology, adaptation refers to the process by which organisms change or adjust to their environment in order to survive and reproduce. This can include physical changes, such as changes in body size or shape, as well as behavioral changes, such as changes in diet or social structure. Adaptation is a key concept in the study of evolution and how organisms have evolved to be well-suited to their environments.

Word Origin: The word "variation" comes from the Latin word "variatio," which means a change or difference. In the context of physical anthropology, "human variation" refers to the differences and diversity in physical characteristics among human populations. This variation can be influenced by genetic factors, environmental factors, and cultural practices. The study of human variation is essential in understanding the evolution, distribution, and adaptation of human populations across different geographical regions.

Word Origin: The word "phonetics" comes from the Greek word "phōnē" which means "sound" or "voice." In Linguistic Anthropology, phonetics refers to the study of the sounds used in human speech, including their production, transmission, and reception. It involves analyzing the physical properties of speech sounds and how they are used in different languages and dialects.

Word Origin: The concept of linguistic relativity, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, refers to the idea that the structure and vocabulary of a language can shape or influence the way its speakers perceive and think about the world. The term "linguistic relativity" is derived from the names of two prominent linguists, Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf, who first proposed this hypothesis in the early 20th century. Sapir and Whorf argued that language not only reflects but also influences thought, and that different languages can lead to different cognitive processes and worldviews. This idea has been a central theme in linguistic anthropology and has sparked much debate and research in the field.

Word Origin: The word "ethnography" comes from the Greek roots "ethnos," meaning "nation" or "people," and "grapho," meaning "to write." Therefore, ethnography literally means "writing about people." In the context of Linguistic Anthropology, ethnography refers to the systematic study and recording of the language and communication practices of a particular culture or community. Ethnographers in Linguistic Anthropology often conduct fieldwork to observe, document, and analyze the language use and communication patterns of a specific group of people.

Word Origin: The word "sociolinguistics" is composed of two parts: "socio-" which comes from the Latin word "socius" meaning "companion" or "ally," and "linguistics" which comes from the Latin word "lingua" meaning "tongue" or "language." In the context of Linguistic Anthropology, sociolinguistics refers to the study of how language is used in social contexts, including how social factors such as class, gender, ethnicity, and age influence language variation and change. The term was first coined in the 1950s by William Labov, a prominent sociolinguist, to describe this interdisciplinary field of study that combines elements of linguistics and sociology.

Word Origin: The word "communication" comes from the Latin word "communicare," which means "to share" or "to make common." In the context of Linguistic Anthropology, communication refers to the process of sharing information, ideas, thoughts, or emotions through various forms of language and nonverbal cues. This concept is central to the study of how language and communication shape human interactions, relationships, and social structures.

Word Origin: The word "culture" comes from the Latin word "cultura," which originally referred to the cultivation of plants or animals. In the context of Linguistic Anthropology, the term "culture" has evolved to refer to the beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior of a particular group of people. This broader definition of culture emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as anthropologists sought to understand the complexities of human societies beyond just their material and technological advancements. Today, culture is understood as a dynamic and ever-changing system of symbols, meanings, and practices that shape the way people communicate, interact, and make sense of the world around them.

Word Origin: The word "language" originates from the Old French term "langage," which was derived from the Latin word "lingua," meaning "tongue" or "speech." In the context of Linguistic Anthropology, the term refers to the system of communication used by a particular group of people, encompassing both verbal and non-verbal forms of expression. Linguistic Anthropology examines the role of language in shaping culture, social interactions, and cognitive processes within human societies.

Word Origin: Discourse analysis is a term that originated in the field of linguistics and was later adopted by linguistic anthropology. The word "discourse" comes from the Latin word "discursus," which means "conversation" or "discussion." The term "analysis" comes from the Greek word "analusis," which means a "breaking down" or "examination." In the context of linguistic anthropology, discourse analysis refers to the study of language in use, specifically how language is used to create meaning, shape social interactions, and construct identities. It involves analyzing not just the words themselves, but also the larger social, cultural, and historical contexts in which language is used. This approach allows researchers to uncover the underlying structures and power dynamics that influence communication and shape social relationships.

Word Origin: The term "cross-cultural communication" in the context of Applied Anthropology has its roots in the field of anthropology, which is the study of human societies and cultures. The word "cross-cultural" refers to interactions between people from different cultural backgrounds, while "communication" refers to the exchange of information and ideas between individuals or groups. The term itself is a combination of the words "cross," which means to move or extend across something, and "cultural," which pertains to the customs, beliefs, and practices of a particular group of people. In this context, "cross-cultural communication" refers to the process of effectively exchanging information and ideas between individuals or groups who come from different cultural backgrounds. In Applied Anthropology, the focus is on using anthropological methods and theories to address real-world problems and issues. Cross-cultural communication plays a crucial role in this field, as anthropologists often work with diverse communities and populations to understand their perspectives, needs, and challenges. By employing effective cross-cultural communication strategies, anthropologists can build trust, establish rapport, and facilitate meaningful interactions with the people they are studying or working with.

Word Origin: The term "community development" in the context of Applied Anthropology can be traced back to the mid-20th century when anthropologists began to apply their knowledge and methodologies to address social issues and promote positive change within communities. The word "community" comes from the Latin word "communitas," which means "fellowship" or "common bond." The word "development" comes from the Latin word "developare," which means "to unfold" or "to bring out potential." In the context of Applied Anthropology, "community development" refers to the process of working with communities to identify their needs, assets, and resources, and to help them develop strategies and programs to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Anthropologists use their knowledge of culture, society, and human behavior to facilitate this process and to ensure that development initiatives are culturally sensitive, sustainable, and effective. Overall, the etymology of the term "community development" in the context of Applied Anthropology reflects its focus on fostering collaboration, empowerment, and positive change within communities through a holistic and culturally informed approach.

Word Origin: The term "fieldwork" in the context of applied anthropology comes from the combination of the words "field" and "work." "Field" refers to the real-world setting or location where anthropologists conduct research, while "work" signifies the active process of gathering data, conducting observations, and engaging with the community. The term emphasizes the hands-on, immersive nature of anthropological research, where researchers directly interact with people and environments to gain insights and understanding.

Word Origin: The term "cultural sensitivity" in the context of Applied Anthropology is derived from the combination of the word "culture" and "sensitivity." The word "culture" comes from the Latin word "cultura," which originally meant "cultivation" or "tillage" and later evolved to refer to the cultivation of the mind or spirit. In anthropology, culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, practices, and behaviors of a particular group of people. The word "sensitivity" comes from the Latin word "sensitivus," meaning "capable of sensation or feeling." In the context of Applied Anthropology, sensitivity refers to being aware and responsive to the cultural differences and nuances of a particular group of people. Therefore, "cultural sensitivity" in Applied Anthropology refers to the ability to understand, respect, and navigate the cultural practices and beliefs of a particular group of people in order to effectively work with or study them.

Word Origin: The term "applied research" in the context of applied anthropology comes from the field of social science research. The word "applied" signifies that the research is conducted with the intention of directly applying the findings to real-world problems or issues. In anthropology, applied research involves using anthropological theories, methods, and concepts to address practical concerns and make a positive impact on society. The etymology of the word "applied" itself comes from the Latin word "applicare," which means "to attach, join, or connect." In the context of research, "applied" refers to the act of connecting theoretical knowledge and academic research to practical situations and real-world problems. Overall, applied research in applied anthropology involves using the knowledge and tools of the discipline to address social, cultural, and environmental challenges in a practical and meaningful way.

Word Origin: The word "ethnography" comes from the Greek words "ethnos" meaning "people" or "nation" and "grapho" meaning "to write" or "to record." Therefore, ethnography in the context of Applied Anthropology refers to the systematic study and recording of the customs, traditions, and social structures of specific human societies or cultures.

Word Origin: The term "cultural relativism" was first coined by American anthropologist Franz Boas in the early 20th century. Boas believed that each culture should be understood and evaluated on its own terms, rather than being judged by the standards of another culture. This concept was further developed by anthropologists such as Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead, who emphasized the importance of understanding cultural practices and beliefs within their own cultural context. In the context of Applied Anthropology, cultural relativism refers to the idea that anthropologists must approach their research and work with an open mind, free from ethnocentrism and bias. This means recognizing and respecting the diversity of cultural practices and beliefs, and understanding that what may be considered "normal" or "right" in one culture may not be the same in another. By adopting a culturally relativistic perspective, anthropologists can better understand the complexities of human behavior and societies, and work more effectively with communities to address social issues and challenges.

Word Origin: The term "participant observation" in the context of Applied Anthropology has its roots in the fieldwork methods developed by anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski in the early 20th century. The word "participant" comes from the Latin word "participare," which means "to take part in," while "observation" comes from the Latin word "observare," which means "to watch." In anthropological terms, participant observation refers to a research method in which the anthropologist actively participates in the daily activities of the group being studied, while also observing and recording their behaviors, beliefs, and practices. This immersive approach allows the researcher to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and social dynamics of the group, as well as build rapport and trust with the participants. Overall, the term "participant observation" highlights the dual role of the anthropologist as both a participant and an observer in the research process, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement and firsthand experience in producing meaningful and insightful ethnographic data.

Word Origin: The term "culture-bound syndromes" was coined by psychiatrist and medical anthropologist John E. P. Lang in the 1970s. The etymology of the term breaks down as follows: - "Culture" refers to the social behaviors, beliefs, norms, and practices of a particular group of people, often shared through generations. - "Bound" indicates that these syndromes are closely tied to or restricted by a specific culture. - "Syndromes" refers to a group of symptoms that consistently occur together and are associated with a particular disease or disorder. Overall, "culture-bound syndromes" refers to a set of symptoms or behaviors that are recognized and understood within a specific cultural context, but may not fit neatly into Western biomedical categories or diagnoses. These syndromes are often deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of a particular community.

Word Origin: The term "biomedical model" in the context of Medical Anthropology refers to a specific approach to understanding health and illness that emphasizes biological factors and medical interventions. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows: - "Bio" comes from the Greek word "bios," meaning life. In this context, it refers to the biological aspect of health and illness. - "Medical" comes from the Latin word "medicus," meaning physician or healing. It relates to the practice of medicine and healthcare. - "Model" comes from the Latin word "modellus," meaning a standard or example. It refers to the theoretical framework or approach used to understand health and illness. Therefore, the term "biomedical model" can be understood as a theoretical framework that focuses on the biological aspects of health and illness and the medical interventions used to address them.

Word Origin: The word "ethnomedicine" is derived from the combination of two terms: "ethno-" which comes from the Greek word "ethnos" meaning "people" or "nation," and "medicine" which comes from the Latin word "medicina" meaning "healing" or "the art of healing." In the context of Medical Anthropology, ethnomedicine refers to the study of traditional healing practices and beliefs of different cultural groups around the world. It focuses on understanding how different cultures perceive and manage health and illness, and how these beliefs and practices influence their medical systems.

Word Origin: The term "sociocultural factors" in the context of medical anthropology is derived from the combination of two key components: "socio" which comes from the Latin word "socius" meaning "companion" or "ally," and "cultural" which comes from the Latin word "cultura" meaning "cultivation" or "care." In medical anthropology, sociocultural factors refer to the social and cultural influences that shape an individual's health and well-being. This includes factors such as family structure, community beliefs and values, economic status, access to healthcare, and cultural practices related to health and illness. By examining these sociocultural factors, medical anthropologists seek to understand how they impact health outcomes and inform healthcare practices.

Word Origin: The term "health disparities" in the context of Medical Anthropology refers to differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare services between different groups of people. The word "disparities" comes from the Latin word "disparitas," meaning inequality or difference. The concept of health disparities emerged in the field of Medical Anthropology as researchers began to recognize and study the ways in which social, economic, and cultural factors contribute to unequal health outcomes among different populations. The etymology of the term "health" itself can be traced back to the Old English word "hǣlth," which meant wholeness or being whole. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to encompass physical, mental, and social well-being. Therefore, when we put these two terms together, "health disparities" refers to the unequal distribution of health resources, opportunities, and outcomes among different social groups, which is a central focus of study in Medical Anthropology.

Word Origin: The word "traditional" comes from the Latin word "traditio," which means "handing down" or "transmitting." "Healing" comes from the Old English word "hǣlan," which means "to make whole" or "to cure." "Practice" comes from the Latin word "practicare," which means "to perform repeatedly" or "to carry out." In the context of Medical Anthropology, "traditional healing practices" refers to the methods and techniques used by various cultures and societies to treat illness and promote health that have been passed down through generations. These practices often involve a combination of spiritual, herbal, and physical therapies that are deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs and traditions of the community.

Word Origin: The term "medical pluralism" in the context of Medical Anthropology refers to the coexistence of multiple medical systems or healing practices within a single society or community. The etymology of the word "pluralism" comes from the Latin word "pluralis," which means "more than one" or "several." In the context of medical pluralism, this term emphasizes the diversity and variety of healing traditions and practices that exist within a particular cultural or social context. Medical pluralism reflects the idea that different people may have different beliefs, values, and preferences when it comes to health and healing, and that these diverse perspectives can coexist and interact within a single community. This concept is central to the field of Medical Anthropology, which seeks to understand how people from different cultural backgrounds make sense of health, illness, and healing practices.