Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'totemism'

English Word: totemism

Key Russian Translations:

• тотемизм (/tɐˈtʲemʲɪzm/) - [Formal, Specialized anthropological term]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in academic, anthropological, or cultural discussions; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced, as it involves specialized vocabulary and concepts in anthropology; suitable for learners with a strong grasp of Russian grammar and terminology)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тотемизм: /tɐˈtʲemʲɪzm/

Note on тотемизм: The stress falls on the third syllable ('tʲemʲ'), which is a common feature in Russian loanwords from English. Pay attention to the palatalized 'tʲ' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The belief in a spiritual connection between humans and a totem (e.g., an animal or object) as a symbol of kinship or clan identity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• тотемизм - Used in formal anthropological contexts to describe systems of belief in totems, often in discussions of indigenous cultures or mythology.

Usage Examples:

• Тотемизм играет ключевую роль в традиционных обществах, где животные служат символами родства.

  Totemism plays a key role in traditional societies, where animals serve as symbols of kinship.

• В антропологии тотемизм часто изучается как форма религиозных практик у коренных народов.

  In anthropology, totemism is often studied as a form of religious practices among indigenous peoples.

• Современные интерпретации тотемизма включают психологические аспекты, такие как идентификация с природными элементами.

  Modern interpretations of totemism include psychological aspects, such as identification with natural elements.

• Тотемизм в культуре аборигенов Австралии проявляется через ритуалы и искусство.

  Totemism in the culture of Australian Aborigines is manifested through rituals and art.

• Изучение тотемизма помогает понять эволюцию человеческих обществ и их мифологии.

  Studying totemism helps understand the evolution of human societies and their mythologies.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Тотемизм" is a masculine noun (masc. singular) borrowed from English, and it follows the standard third-declension pattern for abstract nouns in Russian. It is relatively invariable in most contexts but can inflect for case and number as needed.

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to multiple instances or types of totemism across cultures.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тотемная система (totem system) - Often used interchangeably in broader cultural discussions, emphasizing the structural aspect.
  • клановый культ (clan cult) - A more general term with slight differences, focusing on group worship.
• Antonyms:
  • индивидуализм (individualism) - Contrasts by emphasizing personal over group identity.

Related Phrases:

• Тотемное животное (Totem animal) - Refers to the specific animal or object symbolizing a clan; used in discussions of spiritual kinship.
• Система тотемизма (System of totemism) - Describes the organized beliefs and practices; common in academic texts.
• Тотемические ритуалы (Totemic rituals) - Involves ceremonies related to totems; highlights cultural practices.

Usage Notes:

"Тотемизм" directly corresponds to the English term "totemism" and is typically used in formal, academic, or anthropological contexts rather than everyday speech. It is a neuter-leaning masculine noun, so ensure correct agreement with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "тотемизм является" for "totemism is"). When choosing between synonyms like "клановый культ," opt for "тотемизм" if the focus is on the spiritual kinship aspect. Be mindful of cultural sensitivity, as it often relates to indigenous traditions.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "тотемизм" with "тотем" (totem): Learners might use "тотем" alone, thinking it suffices, but "тотемизм" specifically denotes the belief system. Incorrect: "Я изучаю тотем." Correct: "Я изучаю тотемизм." Explanation: "Тотем" is the object, while "тотемизм" is the ideology.

• Improper inflection: Forgetting to change the case, e.g., using nominative in all contexts. Incorrect: "О тотемизм" (should be genitive). Correct: "О тотемизме." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

Totemism, as represented by "тотемизм," often carries deep cultural significance in indigenous societies, such as those of Native Americans or Australian Aborigines. In Russian contexts, it is frequently discussed in relation to ethnographic studies of Siberian or North American peoples, reflecting Russia's historical interest in anthropology and folklore. This term highlights themes of spiritual interconnectedness with nature, which can differ from Western individualistic views.

Related Concepts:

• Анимизм (Animism)
• Фетишизм (Fetishism)
• Мифология (Mythology)