Unit 2: Cultural Identity Vocabulary

laud

To praise someone highly, often in a public context.

antiseptic

A substance that prevents the growth of microorganisms, often used for cleaning wounds and surgical areas.

ambivalent

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

pluralism

The coexistence of diverse groups, beliefs, or cultures within a society, promoting acceptance and understanding among them.

souffle

A light, fluffy dish made with a base of flavored cream sauce and beaten egg whites, often baked until puffed.

admonish

To reprimand or advise someone firmly, often with the intent to correct behavior or caution against something.

bastion

a projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, so as to allow defensive fire in several directions.

or

an institution, place, or person strongly defending or upholding particular principles, attitudes, or activities.

perpetual

never ending or changing

jaunty 

having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.

posit

assume as a fact; put forward as a basis of argument.

lingua franca

a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different.

phenomenon

a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.

or

a remarkable person, thing, or event

internalize

make (attitudes or behavior) part of one's nature by learning or unconscious assimilation.

anthropologist

someone who studies human societies and cultures and their development and human biological and physiological characteristics and their evolution.

quandary

a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.

contradiction

a combination of statements, ideas, or features of a situation that are opposed to one another.

trill

a quavering or vibratory sound, especially a rapid alternation of sung or played notes.

besmirch

damage the reputation of (someone or something) in the opinion of others.

tangible

perceptible by touch.

primeval

of or resembling the earliest ages in the history of the world.

or

(of feelings or actions) based on primitive instinct; raw and elementary.

innocuous

not harmful or offensive.

euphemism

a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

insular

ignorant of or uninterested in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience.

nasent

(especially of a process or organization) just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential.

impeccable

(of behavior, performance, or appearance) in accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless.