Cultural Anthropology - Key Concepts

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on anthropology, culture, and rites of passage.

Anthropology is the study of what makes us human, focusing on human societies and cultures and their development; etymology comes from Antropos (human) and Logos (study).

What is Anthropology and what does it focus on?

The study of past human cultures through material remains, using analysis and interpretation of artifacts.

What is Archaeology?

Verbal Linguistic is noted as a subfield; described as a case of self-struggle.

Name a subfield of Anthropology mentioned and its description.

A speech disorder in which a person’s speech changes to sound like a foreign accent.

What is Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS)?

Involves using sign language, body language, symbols, and facial expressions.

What does Non-verbal Linguistics study?

A secondary burial jar excavated from a Neolithic burial site.

What is The Manunggul Jar?

Signifies that there is life.

What is the significance of The Manunggul Jar?

Located in the Philippines; recognized as a top tourist destination and called the 8th Wonder of the Modern World.

Where are Banaue Rice Terraces located and how are they recognized?

A set of unwritten norms of conduct that guide the behavior of a group.

What is Culture?

Knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, law, customs, and other capabilities and habits acquired by humans.

What are the elements of Culture?

Physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture.

What is Material Culture?

Thoughts or ideas that make up a culture; includes language, dress codes, etiquette, rituals, business, and social transactions; health and sanitation protocols become norms.

What is Non-Material Culture?

Deals with the biological evolution of humans and their variability.

What is Biological or Physical Anthropology?

The amount of melanin in the skin.

What determines skin tone?

An interdisciplinary study of the role of language in culture and society.

What is Linguistic Anthropology?

A reference to hearing style; relates to a person’s ability to reason.

What does Verbal-linguistic refer to in the notes?

Shows rank.

What does Bowing signify in Japanese culture?

Rude in most Northern European areas.

How is Slouching viewed in Northern Europe?

Disrespectful.

What does Hands in Pocket signify in Turkey?

Offensive.

What does sitting with legs crossed signify in Ghana?

Culture represents the beliefs and practices of a group and the people who share them.

What does Culture represent in identity terms?

A person’s identity is independent from the group.

What does Egocentric mean?

Society – the person gets their identity from the group, traditionally the extended family.

What does Sociocentric mean?

Features of a person’s identity that contribute to constructing a social self.

What is the Identity Toolbox?

Kinship or family membership, blood relationship, and gender.

What can alter self-identification?

Age, language, religion, ethnicity, personal appearance, socioeconomic status.

Name some aspects of identity listed in the notes.

A universal practice with cross-cultural variations; purpose is to establish a child’s birthright and social identity.

What is Personal Naming?

A ceremony or event marking an important transition.

What is a Rite of Passage?

Separation; Liminality; Incorporation or Reintegration.

What are the three phases of a Rite of Passage?

Separation: the detachment from the former self or from the group.

Describe Phase 1 of a Rite of Passage.

Liminality: the in-between time in which the participant has lost their old identity.

Describe Phase 2 of a Rite of Passage.

Incorporation or Reintegration: the change in one’s status is officially incorporated.

Describe Phase 3 of a Rite of Passage.