HUMAN UNIVERSAL Meaning and
Definition
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A human universal refers to a concept or behavior that is found in every culture and society across the globe. It represents traits, patterns, or ideas that are shared by all humans regardless of their cultural backgrounds, time periods, or geographical locations. Human universals are considered to be fundamental aspects of human nature, which are instinctive or naturally occurring.
These universals can manifest in various forms, including biological, psychological, cognitive, or sociocultural aspects of human existence. Examples of human universals encompass fundamental needs such as food, sleep, and reproduction, as well as emotions like happiness, fear, and love, which are experienced universally.
Additionally, communication, language, and social interaction can be considered human universals, as they enable humans to connect and form communities. Cultural practices such as marriage, burial rituals, and the existence of taboos and beliefs in supernatural beings or deities are also considered human universals, despite varying in specific details from culture to culture.
By recognizing human universals, anthropologists and researchers aim to uncover the fundamental commonalities that exist among all humans. This understanding enhances our knowledge of human nature, assists in identifying shared values and beliefs, and provides insight into the factors that have shaped human societies throughout history. Ultimately, human universals contribute to our comprehension of the basic behaviors, needs, and characteristics that define humanity as a whole.
Etymology of HUMAN UNIVERSAL
The word human can be traced back to the Latin word humanus, which means of or belonging to man or human, humane. This, in turn, is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dhghem-, meaning earth or ground. The term universal comes from the Latin word universalis, which is formed by combining universus (whole, entire) and -alis (suffix indicating related to or pertaining to). Therefore, the etymology of human universal would be a combination of the Latin roots for of or belonging to man and whole or entire.
