Anthropology Terms

Transculturation is where in an area, there is an influx of new culture and the loss or alteration of the previous existing culture. For example, when the Spanish came to the Americas, they inhabited a most of South America. They brought elements and materials from Europe and Spain that are part of their culture and lifestyle. Thats why many of the South American countries speak Spanish. Although, even after Spain colonized America, the locals altered the Hispanic culture via language. To this day, you can see that all the South American countries speak a different kind of Spanish than Spain.

Ethnology is the study and comparing of different cultures and the different people within said cultures. This helps people realize the uniqueness and differences of each culture. For example if I decided to observe American culture versus Mongolian culture, I would write down my observations then cross reference them with my China culture notes and find the differences and similarities. For instance, Americans are very big on going to school and getting a proper education. Whereas Mongolians, don't mind whether their children are fully educated or not. Horse back riding is very important in Mongolian culture, boys would be riding and racing on horses bare back by the time they were six. While football, baseball and basketball are very important within the American culture. The Super Bowl is the equivalent to Mongolians Naadam. Mongolians are very family oriented and their culture is familial and community based. Unlike Americans who are ambitious and work oriented. These cultures are very different and using ethnology you can find out why these cultures are so unique.