Cultural Anthropology Glossary

adjective relating to or involving a community or group of people

• The communal kitchen in the dormitory is shared by all residents.
• We all pitch in to keep the communal garden looking nice.
• Let's throw a party in the communal area tonight!
• Their communal spirit brought the neighborhood together during the crisis.

noun a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase

• The store owner decided to offer a lagniappe to each customer as a token of appreciation.
• The bakery often gives a little lagniappe with every purchase.
• I always love when the bartender throws in a lagniappe drink at the end of the night.
• Kindness is like a lagniappe, adding a little extra sweetness to life.

noun a supernatural force believed to dwell in a person or sacred object, providing them with spiritual power or strength

• The indigenous tribe believes in the power of mana, which is their spiritual energy.
• I heard that guy has a lot of mana when it comes to convincing people.
• She's got so much mana, she can charm anyone she meets.
• His charisma and presence exude a strong sense of mana that draws people towards him.

noun a person living in a village, typically one who is involved in agricultural or other rural work

• The villager was well-respected in the community for his wisdom and leadership.
• The villager always had the juiciest gossip in town.
• That villager is always up to something, I can't trust them.
• The villager was like a beacon of light in the darkness, guiding us through tough times.

noun a fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing

• Gender stereotypes can have a negative impact on society by limiting opportunities for individuals based on their gender.
• It's frustrating how gender stereotypes can affect how people are treated in everyday situations.
• Gender stereotypes are so outdated and need to be thrown out the window.
• Breaking free from gender stereotypes is like breaking down a barrier to true equality.

noun the cry of a newborn baby

• The doctor noted the vagitus of the newborn as a sign of healthy lung function.
• The nurse smiled at the vagitus of the baby, knowing it was a good sign.
• I couldn't help but laugh at the little one's vagitus - it was so loud!
• The cacophony of vagitus filled the maternity ward, signaling new life and hope.

noun a noun referring to a group of indigenous people in Venezuela and Colombia

• The Achaguas people are known for their traditional dances and music.
• I heard there's a big Achaguas festival happening next weekend.
• Let's go check out the Achaguas performance, I heard it's lit.
• The Achaguas culture is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

noun the absence of sexual reproduction; asexual reproduction

• The concept of agamy, or the absence of marriage, has been studied in various cultural contexts.
• Some people choose agamy as a lifestyle, preferring to remain single and focus on their careers.
• I heard she's all about that agamy life, just doing her own thing and not worrying about relationships.
• In a society where everyone is obsessed with finding a partner, embracing agamy can feel like a rebellious act of independence.