Ethnography
/ɛθˈnɒɡrəfi/noun
The systematic study of people and cultures through direct observation and participation.
Did you know?The term 'ethnography' has roots in ancient Greek, where 'ethnos' means 'nation' or 'people' and 'grapho' means 'to write', suggesting a powerful act of documenting human stories.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἔθνος (ethnos)
“A people, nation, or tribe.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γράφω (grapho)
“To write or describe.”
18th Century
English
ethnography
“The descriptive study of a particular culture or people.”
19th Century
English
ethnographic
“Relating to the systematic study of people and cultures.”
20th Century
English
ethnographer
“A person who conducts the study of peoples and cultures.”
Modern English
English
ethnography
“The detailed and systematic study of human cultures.”