Occidentalize is spelled as /əkˈsɪdəntəlaɪz/. The word comes from the Latin word "occidentalis" which means "western" or "of the west". The addition of the suffix "-ize" signifies the action of westernizing or making something more like the west. The phonetic transcription of this word includes a schwa sound at the beginning and two stressed syllables, with the syllable "-lize" emphasized to indicate the action of westernizing.
Occidentalize is a verb that refers to the process of making something or someone more Western or European in character, culture, or style. It is derived from the term "occidental," which means relating to the countries of the Western hemisphere, especially Europe and America. The suffix "-ize" adds the meaning of "to make" or "to cause to become."
When applied to cultures or societies, to occidentalize means to adopt or adapt Western customs, norms, or values. This can involve incorporating Western practices, ideologies, or technologies into a non-Western society. It often entails the influence and spread of Western cultural, social, political, or economic systems.
Occidentalization can manifest in various aspects, such as language, fashion, education, politics, religion, or art. For example, a country may occidentalize its legal system by adopting Western-style laws and regulations. The process can also refer to the adoption of Western education systems, where curricula and teaching methods are influenced by Western models.
However, occidentalization is a term that may carry both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context and perspectives of individuals. Critics argue that it can lead to the erosion of local cultures, traditions, or identities, while proponents argue that it promotes progress, modernization, or globalization. As such, the word evokes ongoing debates about the benefits and drawbacks of Western influence in different parts of the world.
The etymology of the word "occidentalize" can be broken down as follows:
- The root of the word, "occidental", derives from the Latin word "occidentalis", which means "western" or "of the west". It is formed from the Latin prefix "ob-" (meaning "toward") and "cado" (meaning "to fall"), referring to the direction of the setting sun in the west.
- The suffix "-ize" is derived from the Greek verb suffix "-izein", which means "to make" or "to become".
Therefore, "occidentalize" is formed by combining the word "occidental" with the suffix "-ize", indicating the process of making or transforming something in a way that is characteristic of the western world or culture.