Ethnology
/ˌɛθˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/noun
The comparative and analytical study of cultures; a branch of anthropology.
Did you know?The roots of 'ethnology' can be traced back to the idea of 'nations' as a unified, mystical entity, shaping how we perceive culture today.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἔθνος (éthnos)
“A term meaning 'nation' or 'people', often with a shared cultural identity.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λόγος (lógos)
“Meaning 'study' or 'discourse', often associated with reason or knowledge.”
17th Century
French
ethnologie
“Emerging as a term describing the study of different peoples and cultures.”
19th Century
English
ethnology
“Formalized as a distinct field of study examining human cultures in a comparative context.”