Topic 1: Cultural Identity – Vocabulary List

Vocabulary flashcards covering key cultural-identity terms from the lecture notes.

Aboriginal

Relating to the original or earliest known inhabitants of a region; native.

Ancestor

A person from whom one is descended; forefather or foremother.

Anniversary

The yearly recurrence of a date marking an important event.

Assimilation

The process of absorbing or adapting to another culture or group.

Bravery

Courageous behavior; valor.

Bridegroom

A man on his wedding day or shortly thereafter.

Conflict

A serious disagreement, clash, or struggle.

Contract

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

Contractual

Relating to, contained in, or arising from a contract.

Conversely

In an opposite or reversed way; on the other hand.

Coordinator

A person who organizes people or activities so they work together efficiently.

Currency

The system of money in general use in a particular country.

Custom

A traditional practice or usual way of behaving within a society.

Deliberately

Intentionally; on purpose.

Denounce

To publicly declare something to be wrong or evil.

Dismiss

To remove from employment or position; to reject or put aside.

Depravity

Moral corruption or wickedness.

Dismissal

The act of removing someone from a position; the act of rejecting something.

Dismissive

Showing that something is unworthy of consideration.

Diversity

Variety; the state of being diverse.

Diverse

Showing a great deal of variety; differing from one another.

Diversify

To make or become more varied.

Diversification

The act or process of making something more varied.

Extremely

To a very great degree.

Completely

Totally; fully; entirely.

Tremendously

Very greatly; enormously.

Dramatically

In a sudden, striking, or exciting way.

Fate

The development of events beyond a person's control; destiny.

Federation

A group of states or organizations united under a central government.

Folktale

A traditional story passed orally among common people.

Heritage

Valued traditions, qualities, and cultural assets passed down through generations.

Hilarious

Extremely funny; causing loud amusement.

Homophone

A word that is pronounced the same as another but differs in meaning (and often spelling).

Identify (v.)

To recognize and name someone or something.

Identification

The process of establishing who or what someone or something is.

Identity

The characteristics determining who or what a person or thing is.

Identical

Exactly alike; the same in every detail.

Incense

A substance burned for its pleasant aroma.

Indigenous

Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.

Integration

The process of combining or incorporating into a whole; inclusion.

Isolation

The state of being separated from others.

Majority

The greater number or part.

Minority

The smaller number or part; a group that is less than half of the population.

Marriage

The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners.

Marital

Relating to marriage or married people.

Marriageable

Of an age or condition suitable for marriage.

Married

United in marriage; wedded.

Misinterpret

To understand or explain something incorrectly.

Mystery

Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

No-go

An area or situation where entry or action is not allowed or advised.

Pamper

To indulge with excessive care and attention.

Patriotism

Love for or devotion to one’s country.

Perception

The ability to become aware of something through the senses; understanding.

Perceive

To become aware of or interpret something in a particular way.

Prestige

Widespread respect and admiration; high status.

Prevalence

The condition of being widespread or common.

Privilege

A special right, advantage, or immunity granted to a particular person or group.

Racism

Prejudice or discrimination directed against someone because of their race.

Racial

Relating to race or ethnic origin.

Religion

Belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a god or gods.

Religious

Relating to religion; having or showing belief in a higher power.

Restrain

To hold back or keep under control.

Revival

A renewed interest in or improvement of something; the act of bringing back to life or use.

Solidarity

Unity or agreement of feeling or action among individuals with a common purpose.

Superstition

An irrational belief or practice resulting from fear or ignorance of the unknown.

Superstitious

Having or showing belief in superstitions.

Symbol

A sign, mark, or object that represents something else.

Symbolize

To represent or stand for something else.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Symbolic

Serving as a symbol; representative.

Synthesis

The combination of separate elements to form a coherent whole.

Unhygienic

Not clean or sanitary; likely to cause illness.

Well-established

Having existed for a long time and generally accepted.

Well-advised

Showing good judgment; sensible.

Well-built

Solidly and strongly constructed; having a sturdy physique.

Well-balanced

Emotionally or mentally stable; having all parts in correct proportions.