Anthropology final

Anthropology

The study of humans, human behavior, societies, and cultures across time and space.

Culture shock

Feelings of confusion or anxiety experienced when entering an unfamiliar culture.

Synchronic

Studying a culture or society at a single point in time.

Hamlet

A tragedy by William Shakespeare often analyzed for themes of culture, power, and human behavior.

Cultural anthropology

The study of human cultures, beliefs, practices, and social organization.

Archaeological anthropology

The study of past human societies through material remains.

Linguistic isolation

Separation from other language groups leading to limited language interaction.

Phase 2 Archaeological Evaluation

Archaeological testing used to determine a site’s significance and boundaries.

Cultural relativism

Understanding a culture based on its own values and beliefs rather than judging it by another culture’s standards.

Ethnology

Comparative study of cultures to identify patterns and relationships.

Rite of passage

Ceremony or event marking an important stage in a person’s life.

Cultural Resource Management (CRM)

Applied archaeology focused on protecting and managing cultural resources.

Ethnographic Fieldwork

Long-term immersive research within a community or culture.

Archaeological site

A location containing evidence of past human activity.

Language immersion programs

Educational programs designed to revitalize or teach languages through full exposure.

Shovel bums

Archaeologists who travel frequently from excavation to excavation for temporary work.

Richard Borshay Lee

Anthropologist known for studying the !Kung Bushmen and hunter-gatherer societies.

Ethnography

Detailed written description of a culture based on fieldwork.

Emic perspective

Insider’s perspective within a culture.

Horizontal excavations

Archaeological excavations focused on uncovering broad areas from a single time period.

Diachronic

Studying cultures or societies across time and historical change.

Technology

Tools, techniques, and knowledge used to solve problems and adapt to environments.

Society

Organized group of individuals who share culture and social institutions.

Environment

Physical and social surroundings influencing human behavior and culture.

Culture

Shared beliefs, values, behaviors, symbols, and practices learned within a society.

Archaeological survey

Systematic search for archaeological sites and evidence.

Applied anthropology

Use of anthropological knowledge to solve practical problems.

Language nests

Programs where young children learn endangered languages from fluent elder speakers.

Design anthropology

Application of anthropological methods to product and service design.

Virtual anthropology

Use of digital technology to study humans and cultures.

Grid System

Method of dividing excavation sites into measured sections for accurate recording.

Sex tourism

Traveling for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities, often involving exploitation.

Human agency

The ability of individuals to make choices and act independently.

Retail anthropology

Use of anthropology to study consumer behavior and shopping habits.

Holistic perspective

Anthropological approach examining all aspects of human life together.

Language loss

Decline or extinction of languages.

Modern human

Homo sapiens, the current human species.

!Kung Bushmen

Hunter-gatherer group studied extensively in anthropology.

Phase 1 Archaeological Survey

Initial assessment to identify potential archaeological resources.

Etic perspective

Outsider’s analytical perspective on a culture.

Ethnocentrism

Judging another culture using one’s own cultural standards.

Biological anthropology

Study of human biology, evolution, and physical variation.

Linguistic anthropology

Study of language and its relationship to culture.

Features

Non-portable archaeological remains such as hearths or post holes.

Participant observation

Research method involving direct participation in a culture’s daily life.

Linguistic homogenization

Reduction of language diversity due to dominance of major languages.

Laura Bohannan

Anthropologist known for interpreting Hamlet among the Tiv people of Nigeria.

Multi-sited

Ethnographic research conducted across multiple locations.

Ethical practices

Moral guidelines for conducting responsible research.

Ethical dilemmas

Situations involving conflicts between moral principles or responsibilities.

Collaborative ethnography

Ethnographic approach involving cooperation with community members.

Artifacts

Portable objects made or used by humans.

Business anthropologists

Anthropologists applying cultural analysis to businesses and organizations.

Phase 3 Archaeological Mitigation

Recovery or preservation of archaeological data before site destruction.

Herxhem

Archaeological site associated with evidence of ritual cannibalism.

Reflexivity

Awareness of how a researcher’s background influences research and interpretation.

Exocannibalism

Cannibalism involving consumption of outsiders or enemies.

Cultural diversity

Variety of cultural groups and traditions within societies.

Enculturation

Process of learning one’s culture.

Human rights

Basic rights and freedoms belonging to all humans.

Female circumcision

Cultural practice involving alteration or removal of female genitalia.

Former colonies

Territories previously controlled by colonial powers.

Human agency

The capacity for individuals to make independent choices and actions.

Boulestin and Coupey

Researchers associated with studies of cannibalism and archaeological interpretation.

Ritual cannibalism

Cannibalism practiced as part of religious or ceremonial traditions.

Political cannibalism

Cannibalism used to display power or dominance.

Endocannibalism

Cannibalism involving consumption of members within one’s own group.

Performance cannibalism

Cannibalism performed publicly or symbolically for social purposes.

Male circumcision

Surgical removal of the foreskin, often practiced for cultural or religious reasons.

Green grabbing

Taking land or resources for environmental purposes, often displacing local populations.