The spelling of the word "canoniser" may seem confusing at first glance. However, when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it becomes more clear. The phonetic transcription of "canoniser" is /ˈkænənaɪzər/. This indicates that the word begins with the sound "k" as in "cat," followed by "an" as in "pan," "o" as in "pot," "ni" as in "knee," and "ze" as in "zero." The "-er" at the end indicates that it is a verb in the present tense, meaning to officially declare as a saint.
The term "canoniser" refers to the act of officially recognizing or establishing a set of works or principles as belonging to a canon. A canon, in itself, denotes a collection of authoritative texts or principles that are widely accepted as being of utmost importance or significance within a particular field or discipline. Therefore, to canonise entails the process of declaring certain works, ideas, or individuals as being part of this esteemed group.
In literary contexts, canonisers are individuals or institutions that possess the authority to determine which books or authors are considered part of the literary canon. This involves evaluating the merit, influence, and cultural significance of literary works and subsequently deciding whether they deserve recognition and inclusion.
Similarly, in religious or spiritual contexts, canonisers are individuals or bodies responsible for defining the canon of sacred texts, deciding which writing or biblical passages are regarded as divinely inspired and should be included in the official scripture of a religious tradition.
The process of canonisation is also observed in artistic and cultural domains, where certain works, genres, styles, or performers are officially recognised as constituting the canon of that particular art form or period. Canonisers in this context include art critics, curators, academic institutions, and museums. Their role is to identify and preserve the most important and influential pieces of art, music, film, or other cultural expressions, ensuring their lasting impact and historical value.
Overall, the act of canonising involves the establishment of a set of fundamental texts, principles, or cultural artifacts that are deemed authoritative and indispensable within a given field or sphere of knowledge.
The word "canoniser" derives from the noun "canon" and the suffix "-ize".
The noun "canon" comes from the Greek word "kanōn", meaning "rule" or "standard". In ancient Greece, the term referred to a measuring rod or ruler. Over time, it began to denote a standard or set of rules used in religious contexts. In Christianity, it specifically refers to authoritative texts or a list of officially recognized books of the Bible.
The suffix "-ize" is borrowed from the Greek suffix "-izo" and is used to form verbs indicating the action or process of making something or someone conform to a certain standard or set of rules. It is widely used in English to create verbs from nouns or adjectives.