orientalism

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the scholarly knowledge of Asian cultures and languages and people
  2. noun the quality or customs or mannerisms characteristic of Asian civilizations

Etymology

From French orientalisme, from oriental (“eastern, Oriental”). In the sense “patronizing Western attitude” popularized by Edward Said's 1978 book Orientalism. Equivalent to Oriental + -ism.

In classic literature

Synonyms

Oriental Studies

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