ethnographer
UK: eθˈnɒɡrəfə | US: eθˈnɑːɡrəfər
n. a person who studies and describes different cultures and peoples through systematic observation and recording.
ethnographer = ethno<race/people> + graph<write/record> + er<agent suffix>
- ethno: From Greek ethnos (nation, people), referring to cultural or racial groups.
- graph: From Greek graphein (to write), denoting recording or describing.
- er: Agentive suffix in English, indicating "one who does something."
Etymology Origin:
The term ethnographer emerged in the 19th century, combining Greek roots to describe scholars who document human cultures. Ethno reflects the focus on communities, while graph emphasizes the methodological act of recording. The suffix -er standardizes it as a profession, akin to geographer or photographer.
The ethnographer lived among the tribe for two years to document their rituals.
As an ethnographer, she published a groundbreaking study on urban subcultures.
His work as an ethnographer revealed hidden traditions of the indigenous group.
Modern ethnographers often use digital tools to archive cultural practices.
The museum hired an ethnographer to curate its exhibition on Pacific Island cultures.