WENT NATIVE Meaning and
Definition
-
The phrase "went native" is an idiomatic expression that originated from the field of anthropology. It refers to an individual, often an outsider or foreigner, who adopts the customs, lifestyle, or habits of the local inhabitants of a particular place. The term emphasizes a profound assimilation or immersion into a different culture or community, often to the point of losing sight of one's original identity or beliefs.
When someone "goes native," they exhibit an intense affinity towards the local culture, commonly adopting their language, dressing style, dietary preferences, traditions, and even social norms. This immersive transformation often occurs over an extended period of time, as the individual becomes deeply involved, engaged, and integrated within the community.
The connotations associated with "went native" can vary. Sometimes it is used neutrally, referring to an individual's genuine appreciation and respectful immersion in a different culture. In this case, it often denotes a positive level of assimilation that fosters understanding and respect between cultures.
However, the term can also carry negative implications, suggesting a loss of objectivity or critical thinking due to excessive assimilation. It can imply that the person has become indoctrinated or biased in their views, unable to objectively assess their adopted culture. "Going native" can also entail severing ties with one's own culture, leading to a perceived abandonment of one's origin or native identity.
This phrase remains particularly relevant in discussions on cultural relativism, identity politics, and postcolonial studies, as it highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of cross-cultural interactions.
Common Misspellings for WENT NATIVE
- qent native
- aent native
- sent native
- eent native
- 3ent native
- 2ent native
- wwnt native
- wsnt native
- wdnt native
- wrnt native
- w4nt native
- w3nt native
- webt native
- wemt native
- wejt native
- weht native
- wenr native
- wenf native
- weng native
- weny native
Etymology of WENT NATIVE
The expression "went native" originated in the 19th century during the colonial era. It is derived from the verb "go" in its past tense form "went", combined with the term "native". The phrase refers to a person, typically of European descent, who adopted the lifestyle, customs, and culture of the indigenous population of a colonized region. It was often used to describe colonizers or settlers who assimilated into the local community, embracing their traditions and way of life rather than maintaining their own cultural identity. The term gained popularity during colonization but is now commonly used metaphorically to describe someone who, in any situation, becomes fully integrated with and adopts the practices or behaviors of the local people.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
