Questions and Answers
What is communication?
The transmission of concepts, knowledge, info, thoughts, and ideas.
What is an open system?
Allows us to refer to something that isn't here.
What is a closed system?
Related to the immediate environment, little variation of interpretation, and specific definition.
What is a symbol?
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What is language?
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What does artistic representation convey?
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What does color symbolize in different cultures?
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What is sacred music used for?
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What are the types of instruments mentioned?
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What is a pilgrim's journey?
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What is menarche?
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What does mana refer to in Polynesian belief?
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What is ethnobotany?
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What does status refer to in society?
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Which of the following describe a tabu?
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Which of the following is an example of a rite of passage?
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What are examples of artistic representations?
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What does communitas refer to?
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Study Notes
Communication and Systems
- Communication involves transmitting concepts, knowledge, and ideas through an open system, enabling reference to things not physically present.
- Closed systems refer to immediate environments with consistent interpretation and specific definitions.
Symbols and Language
- Symbols represent something else; they are arbitrary and often based on displacement (ability to reference things remotely).
- Language is a system of sounds and meanings, allowing symbolic communication through sounds as symbols.
Artistic Representations
- Artistic representations reflect cultural configurations and sacred meanings, conveying significant cultural narratives.
- Examples include the swastika, which holds different meanings across cultures, and the pentagram, associated with various religious interpretations.
Cultural Constructs of Color and Time
- Color is shaped by social constructions; for instance, white signifies purity in American weddings, while red symbolizes good fortune in Chinese culture.
- Time is socially constructed, divided into physical (natural cycles) and metaphysical (sacred meanings) aspects; rituals often align with specific times in religious practices.
Sacred Music and Dance
- Sacred music teaches mythology and influences state of mind, similar to sacred colors, time, and art.
- Sacred dance serves to convey worldviews and connect with the supernatural, exemplified by the Hula and the Sufi Dervish dance.
Rituals and Their Importance
- Rituals encompass routines and customs; they manipulate religious symbols and are based on myths, reinforcing collective truth and identity.
- Types of rituals include prescribed (mandatory), periodic (tied to calendars), situational (casual), and occasional (formal life events).
Classes and Categories of Rituals
- Rituals can be categorized as technological (affecting nature), protective (before dangerous activities), therapeutic (healing), and ideological (reinforcing societal norms).
- Rites of Passage consist of three stages: separation, transition, and incorporation, marking significant life changes.
Body Modifications and Social Constructs
- Body modifications indicate social membership and signify transformation, affecting both physical and psychological states.
- Tatu and other forms of body modification carry cultural significance and are often explained by myths.
Taboo and Pilgrimage
- Tabu signifies activities deemed off-limits, often linked to sacred power and cultural behaviors.
- Pilgrimage involves journeys to sacred sites, as seen in the Islamic Hajj and the Huichol's journey to Wirikuta.
Social Constructs and Beliefs
- Communitas reflects a sense of equality within a community, exemplified during collective activities like Hajj.
- Menarche represents girls' first menstruation, marking an important transition in cultural contexts.
Supernatural Forces and Mythologies
- Mana refers to a supernatural force believed to reside in certain objects or individuals, particularly in Polynesian cultures.
- Dream Time is an Australian Aboriginal creation myth, defining the relationship between humans and animals, with various groups holding unique totems.
Totemism and Ethnobotany
- Totems symbolize social groups, serving as emblems for these units.
- Ethnobotany studies the medicinal uses of plants within anthropological contexts.
Offerings, Sacrifices, and Status
- Offerings can be perceived as gifts or bribes to influence supernatural entities; Aztecs' sacrificial practices illustrate this belief.
- Status refers to a social position within a community, while rank denotes the relative placement of these positions in society.
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Description
Review key terms from Anthropology Chapters 3 and 4 with this set of flashcards. Each card includes a word related to human communication systems and definitions that provide insight into the concepts. Perfect for building your understanding of communication in anthropology.
