This glossary will serve as a tool to learn the different subjects commonly used in anthropology.
Acculturation
Noun
Adapting to a new culture while retaining aspects of the original one.
Example: Immigrants experience acculturation over time.
en: Acculturation
Archeology
Noun
The study of past human societies through material remains.
Example: Archaeology helps us understand ancient civilizations.
en: Archéologie
Biological anthropology
Noun
The study of human evolution and biological variation.
Example: Biological anthropology explores early human fossils.
en: Anthropologie biologique
Clan
Noun
A group of families claiming common descent.
Example: The clan traces its roots to a legendary ancestor.
en: Clan
Cultural Anthropology
Noun
The study of human cultures, beliefs, customs, and social practices.
Example: She studies cultural anthropology, which is one of the four branches of anthropology.
en: Anthropologie culturelle
Cultural relativism
Noun
The theory that beliefs, customs, and morality exist in relation to the particular culture from which they originate and are not absolute.
Example: Anthropologists practice cultural relativism when studying traditions.
en: Relativisme culturel
Culture
Noun
The shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors of a group.
Example: Culture shapes how people understand the world.
en: Culture
Enculturation
Noun
The process of learning one's own culture.
Example: Enculturation begins at birth.
en: Enculturation
Ethnocentrism
Noun
Judging another culture by the standards of one's own.
Example: Ethnocentrism can lead to misunderstanding.
en: Ethnocentrisme
Ethnography
Noun
Ethnography is a qualitative research method used in anthropology and social sciences to study cultures, societies, or groups through long-term, firsthand immersion.
Example: Her ethnography explored daily life in the village.
en: Ethnographie
Hominid
Noun
A member of the biological family that includes humans and their ancestors.
Example: Fossils of early hominids were discovered.
en: Hominidé
Kinship
Noun
The web of social relationships and bonds formed between people through blood, marriage, adoption, or close community ties
Example: Kinship determines inheritance in many societies.
en: Parenté
Linguistic anthropology
Noun
The study of language and its role in culture.
Example: Linguistic anthropology studies how language influences thought.
en: Antropologie linguistique
Myth
Noun
A traditional story explaining cultural beliefs or natural events.
Example: The myth explained the creation of the world.
en: Myth
Patriarchy
Noun
A social system where men hold primary power.
Example: Patriarchy influences inheritance rules.
en: Patriacal
Primatology
Noun
The scientific study of primates, including monkeys, apes, and humans, focusing on their behavior, biology, evolution, and social systems.
Example: Primatology helps scientists understand human evolution and social behavior.
en: Primatologie
Ritual
Noun
A formal, repeated action performed in a cultural or religious context.
Example: The ritual marked the transition to adulthood.
en: Rituel
Socialization
Noun
The process by which individuals learn cultural norms.
Example: Children learn language through socialization.
en: Socialisation
Symbol
Noun
An object, word, gesture, or image that represents a deeper cultural meaning.
Example: The wedding ring is a symbol of commitment.
en: Symbole
Tribe
Noun
A social group sharing common ancestry, culture, and leadership.
