EMIC AND ETIC PRINCIPLE

Prepared by: Christine Karen C. Belga

 History

The words emic and etic refer to two different approaches to researching human beings. The terms originated in linguistics and anthropology in the 1950s and 1960s. "emic" and "etic" which were initially used for linguistic studies, but Kenneth Pike in 1967 argued that it could also be applied to the studies of cultural and social behavior

EMIC AND ETIC

Emic

and Etic are terms used by anthropologists and other social scientists referring to two different types of data collected on human behaviour. Anthropologists use emic and etic to describe ways of explaining features of culture insider (member of the culture) vs. outsider viewpoint

EMIC
how

members of the culture would explain what they do

Uses terms and concepts meaningful to insiders An emic approach is used to understand their point of view

ETIC
how

an outside observer might explain what they do Uses outsiders terms and concepts that insiders might not understand or might disagree with An etic approach is used to explain an aspect of culture in scientific, cross-cultural terms

Emic approach
Emphasizes differences between culture Considers behaviour patterns unique and specific to a cultural Seeks an inside ( natives) perspective

Etic approach
Emphasizes similarities between cultures Considers behaviour patterns invariant and universal Brings an outside perspective

eg. female circumsion seen as a traditional practice which promotes revered values such as womens chastity

eg. female circumsion seen as a barbaric practice that subjugates and traumatises women

EXAMPLE
Warfare

patterns in a particular tribe

Emic: culture members talk about the history of their conflict with particular neighboring groups and the treachery of certain groups. Etic : The anthropologist may see the frequent warfare as a consequence of overpopulation and protein deficiency which warfare acts to remedy by redistributing the population

EXAMPLE
Women

who goes into trance

Emic: culture members say a women whose ancestors were priests or priestesses is likely to be called as a medium by a spirit who possesses her and makes her act as though she is crazy until she goes for training and becomes a medium priestess. Etic: anthropologist may explain certain women going into trance by noting the subordinate position of housewives and the greatly enhanced social position of women who become religious leaders.