Pronunciation: [ʃˈamən] (IPA) 
The word "shaman" is an alternative spelling of the word "shamans", which refers to a person who has access to the spirit world and is believed to have healing powers. The word originally comes from the Tungusic language spoken in Siberia. The correct pronunciation of the word is /ˈʃɑːmən/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "sh" sound is similar to the "sh" sound in "shoe" and the "a" sound is pronounced like the "a" in "father".
Shaman (noun): A shaman is a spiritual practitioner who holds a revered role in many indigenous cultures and societies. Drawing upon the belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the spiritual realm, shamans act as intermediaries between humans and the spirit world. These individuals are believed to possess the ability to communicate with spirits, deities, and ancestors, and to access states of altered consciousness or trance through various methods such as meditation, chanting, drumming, or ingesting psychoactive substances.
Shamans are often recognized and sought after for their healing abilities, as they employ rituals, ceremonies, medicinal plants, or other forms of energy manipulation to restore balance and harmony to individuals, communities, or the natural world. In their role as healers, shamans may address physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments, providing guidance, divination, and support. Additionally, they often serve as advisors, leaders, or guardians, offering wisdom, mediation, and protection to their community.
The practices, traditions, and roles associated with shamans may vary greatly across cultures, but their central purpose remains grounded in the belief that their spiritual connection allows them to navigate between dimensions and access knowledge and powers beyond the reach of ordinary individuals. Shamanism embodies a deep reverence for nature, an understanding of the interconnectedness of all existence, and a holistic approach to spiritual well-being. The term "shaman" originated from the Tungusic people of Siberia and has since been adopted and used in a broader context to describe similar spiritual roles and practices worldwide.
A priest or conjurer amongst the Ostiaks in Asiatic Russia, who teach the existence of a Supreme Being, but assign the immediate government of the world to secondary gods, some of whom are benevolent and others malevolent, and who pretend by their aid to cure diseases, foretell events, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "shaman" originates from the Tungusic language family, specifically from the Evenki language spoken by the indigenous Evenki people of Siberia. The Evenki word "šamán" refers to a spiritual or religious figure who acts as an intermediary between the human and spirit worlds. The term was first introduced to the Western world through the writings of Russian explorers and anthropologists in the 17th century. It later gained more widespread usage in anthropology to describe similar spiritual figures found in various indigenous cultures around the world.
