The phrase "lived experience" refers to the personal encounters and events that shape an individual's life. The spelling of the word "lived" is /lɪvd/, with the "i" pronounced as a short vowel and the "v" pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative. The word "experience" is spelled as /ɪkˈspɪərɪəns/, with the primary stress on the second syllable and the final "e" pronounced as a schwa sound. The phrase "lived experience" is commonly used in psychology, sociology, and other social sciences to describe the unique perspectives of individuals who have gone through certain life events or circumstances.
Lived experience refers to the collection of personal encounters, events, and circumstances that an individual has personally gone through or witnessed throughout their life. It encompasses the full range of subjective experiences and perspectives that shape an individual's understanding and perception of the world.
This term emphasizes the importance of personal knowledge gained from direct engagement in real-life situations rather than theoretical or academic understanding alone. Lived experience encompasses both positive and negative encounters, including triumphs and challenges, both mundane and extraordinary. It can include experiences related to personal relationships, work, education, health, cultural background, socio-economic status, and more.
Lived experience is often regarded as a valuable source of insight and wisdom, as it grants an individual unique perspectives and empathy towards others. It shapes an individual's beliefs, values, attitudes, and worldview, influencing their decision-making processes and behavior.
The concept of lived experience holds particular significance in fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, and healthcare, where practitioners recognize the importance of understanding people's experiences to provide effective support and care. The acknowledgment of lived experience also plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and diversity, as it recognizes that each person's encounters are valuable and deserving of consideration.
In summary, lived experience refers to the accumulation of personal encounters and perspectives that contribute to an individual's knowledge, perceptions, and understanding of the world around them.
The word "lived experience" is composed of two terms: "lived" and "experience".
The term "lived" is the past participle form of the verb "live", which originates from the Old English word "lifian". It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "libēną", meaning "to remain" or "to live". This eventually led to the Middle English term "liven" and then "live" in Modern English.
The word "experience" originated from the Latin term "experientia", which referred to gaining knowledge through observation or participation in events. It was derived from the verb "experiri", meaning "to try" or "to test". The word "experience" entered the English language via Middle English and has retained its meaning of personal encounters, knowledge, or understanding gained from direct involvement in an event or situation.