etic

Definitions

Of or pertaining to analysis of a culture from a perspective situated outside all cultures.

Equivalents

Examples

“A useful example of the emic-etic distinction may be made by comparing the concept “waves on the ocean or sea” from the perspective of a European American with that of a Truk Islander […] The proposed etics here might be that both cultures understand⟳ the use⟳ of waves as vehicles for surfing and as movement reflecting the transfer⟳ of energy […] certain differences, or emics exist⟳, for European Americans the waves may be sources of beauty — the Truk Islander has learned to use⟳ them […] as a road map.”

CEFR level