etic etymology

Etymology:

"Etic" is derived from the Greek word "emikós," which means "belonging to others" or "external."

Meaning:

In cultural anthropology, "etic" refers to an outsider's perspective or analysis of a culture. It involves the use of scientific methods and universal categories to describe and interpret cultural phenomena.

Origin:

The concept of etic perspective was introduced by the American anthropologist Kenneth Pike in his 1954 book, "Language in Relation to a Unified Theory of the Structure of Human Behavior." Pike distinguished between "emic" (insider's perspective) and "etic" (outsider's perspective) approaches to cultural analysis.

Usage:

  • An etic study of a culture would focus on observable behaviors, social structures, and material artifacts, rather than on the subjective beliefs and meanings held by members of that culture.
  • Etic methods can provide a broad and objective overview of a culture, allowing cross-cultural comparisons and generalizations.
  • However, etic approaches can also be criticized for oversimplifying cultural phenomena and ignoring the unique experiences and perspectives of cultural insiders.

Examples:

  • An etic analysis of marriage practices might examine legal structures, divorce rates, and economic arrangements.
  • An etic study of language might focus on phonetics, grammar, and syntax, without considering the cultural significance of specific words or expressions.

etic relate terms

  • phonetic

    Phonetic Etymology Phonetic etymology is the study of the relationship between the sounds

  • fame

    Etymology The word fame traces its roots back to the Latin word fama meaning report

  • apocalypse

    Etymology The word apocalypse derives from the Greek word apokálypsis which means

  • fatigue

    Etymology Middle English fatigate from Latin fatigare to weary from fat stem of

  • vignette

    Etymology The word vignette comes from the French word vigne meaning vine or vine

  • sheepish

    Etymology The word sheepish derives from the Middle English word sheepisch which is

  • sage

    Etymology The word sage derives from the Latin word sagax meaning wise or prudent

  • feature

    Etymology Latin facere to make to do Old French feiture making deed Middle

  • iron

    Etymology The word iron comes from the Old English word īren which is derived from

  • gazette

    Etymology and Origin The word gazette is derived from the Italian word gazzetta whi

  • conservation

    Etymology The word conservation comes from the Latin word conservare which means to

  • jealous

    Etymology and Meaning The word jealous comes from the Latin word zelosus which mean