Introduction to Anthropology Review - Spring 2025

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the Introduction to Anthropology course.

Ethnolinguists

Researchers who study the relationship between language and culture.

Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

The theory that the structure of a language affects its speakers' cognition and worldview.

Descriptive Linguistics

The systematic study of a language, compiling its structure, vocabulary, and usage.

Vocal Fry

A low, creaky voice quality in speech production.

Kinesics

The study of body movements as a form of nonverbal communication.

Foraging

A subsistence strategy based on hunting, gathering, and fishing.

Horticulture

A form of subsistence agriculture that uses small-scale farming techniques.

Pastoralism

A subsistence strategy centered around the herding of animals.

Industrial production

The large-scale production of goods using industrial techniques.

Exchange and Distribution Systems

Methods of distributing resources, including market principle, redistribution, and reciprocity.

Bands

Small, egalitarian groups of people typically associated with foraging.

Chiefdoms

Political systems with a hereditary leader that ranks individuals based on social status.

Matrilineal descent

A system in which lineage is traced through the mother's side.

Polygyny

A marriage pattern where one man has multiple wives.

Neolocal residence

A marital residence pattern where the couple establishes a new household independently.

Colonialism

The historical practice of acquiring control over another country and exploiting it for resources.

Neoliberalism

An economic and political approach favoring free-market capitalism.

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries.

Essentialism

The belief that certain characteristics are inherent and unchangeable in groups or cultures.

Environmental/Ecological Anthropology

The study of how people interact with and adapt to their environment.

Exogamy

The practice of marrying outside one's social group or community.

Incest taboo

A cultural rule prohibiting sexual relations between closely related individuals.

Bridewealth

A transfer of wealth from the groom's family to the bride's family, often at marriage.

Dowry

A transfer of parental property or wealth to the groom or his family at marriage.