"Orientating" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
Orientating: (present participle of orient) helping someone to understand their position or surroundings by giving them directions or guidance.
Orientalism is a term that refers to a cultural, social, and intellectual movement that emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe, particularly in France and Britain. It is characterized by a fascination with the cultures and societies of the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, particularly those of the Ottoman Empire, Persia (modern-day Iran), and China.<br><br> Orientalism often entailed romanticized and stereotypical depictions of these cultures, emphasizing their exoticism, mysticism, and alleged superiority over Western societies. This movement was closely tied to colonialism, as European powers sought to justify their conquests and domination of these regions by portraying themselves as the intellectual and cultural guardians of the "Orient."<br><br>The term "Orientalism" was popularized by the literary critic Edward Said in his 1978 book "Orientalism," in which he argued that Western Orientalism was a tool of colonialism, reinforcing the dominance of Western cultures and justifying the exploitation and oppression of non-Western peoples. Since then, the term has been used more broadly to critique Western cultural imperialism and the ways in which it has shaped our perceptions of non-Western cultures.
Scholars who study the languages, cultures, and histories of the Orient, particularly the Middle East and Asia. They are often associated with the study of ancient civilizations such as those of Egypt, Greece, and China, as well as Islamic and Buddhist cultures. The term is also sometimes used to describe anyone who is fascinated by or appreciates the cultures and customs of the Eastern world.
Relating to or characteristic of the Eastern part of the world, especially Asia; originating from or characteristic of the culture of Asia, particularly Japan, China, India, etc.