Etnografisk

Etnografisk is an adjective used in Norwegian, Swedish and other Scandinavian languages to describe matters related to ethnography, the systematic study and description of peoples, cultures and social practices through fieldwork and qualitative methods. The English equivalent is ethnographic, and the related noun forms include etnografi or etnografisk forskning.

Etymology and scope: The term derives from Greek ethnos meaning "people" and graphia meaning "description." In academic and cultural contexts, etnografisk describes research designs, materials, or displays produced through ethnographic study, as well as the research approach itself.

Applications and data: Etnografisk research emphasizes in-depth, contextual descriptions obtained through methods such as participant observation, fieldwork, interviews and life histories. Data commonly include field notes, audio and video recordings, photographs, artefacts and documentary materials. The term is used across disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and museum practices to label studies, exhibits, or collections with an ethnographic focus.

Methodology and ethics: Ethnographic work aims for thick description and reflexivity, considering cultural context and power dynamics. Ethical considerations are central, including informed consent, respectful representation, and potential impacts on communities studied.

Contexts and examples: In museums and cultural institutions, you may encounter terms like etnografisk materiale (ethnographic material) or etnografisk samling (ethnographic collection). The term also appears in academic titles, course descriptors, and project descriptions that foreground ethnographic methods and perspectives.

See also: Ethnography, Cultural anthropology, Fieldwork, Participant observation, Museum ethnography.