Emic and Etic are neologisms, derived via analogy with Phonemic and Phonetic in linguistics. Emic perspective focuses on intrinsic cultural distinctions meaningful to members of the tribe. Does its `reality' separate the natural from the supernatural realm? Etic perspective focuses on extrinsic concepts/catagories meaningful to scientific observers. What's the tribe's per capita energy consumption? Scientists judge the validity of Etic accounts. Only natives of the tribe judge the validity of Emic tales.

Which is about as clear as the Rose Window seen thru the leaves. So grok this: If you needed to know the exact pronunciation of a phoneme's sound in a foreign language you should ask a native speaker of that language, not a Linguistic Specialist. The difference between the sounds of "f" and "v" in Navajo is best distinguished by a person who speaks the language every day: this is an Emic perspective - it emanates from a Native or "in situ" circumstance. But ... the Homeschooled overachiever who says that both "f" and "v" are classified as "labial-dental fricatives" is coming from an Etic perspective - one abstracted and exhalted from the quotidian usage of the sounds and now focused on exterior Classification Systems and Categories. Scientists and Specialists create Etic Categories for purposes outside the speaking of the language. Emics live within the system - not knowing they are part of larger systemics. Etics Abstract and recognize larger groupings with their own psychologies.

The sounds of such consonants in Linguistics is called a Phonemic concern. The classifications of such sounds by their musculature is a Phonetic concern.

So you take this painting which is affectionately referred to as Jesus and the Gay Boys by the Emics. It hangs in the Musée D'Orsay with an overt, in your face, pride of place. Emics tend to angry homophobics and will swear that the 'pronunciation' of the image is just wrong on so many levels. Etics are caught first by the way the Blue Vs of the wisteria and the redeemer's undertunic prep the eyemind for the warm W's of the gay boys. Both perspectives are valid from their own inner-logics. Now go up again and look at the Vs and the Ws of the Donna Photoshow above Jesus and the Rose trying to shine thru the trees.

Not all humans are seized on the same level. Etic drifts are addictive to minds that can play easily with metaphor. And magic. Abstractions give the Etics hardons. Emics are useful; somebody has to bring us things. The way sounds bring meanings to grouped phonemes. Pooler insists that all humans should be classed that way: Emics or Etics. Emics live in it and see very little of it. Etics live either outside or on the edge - some space which affords an overview. Pooler also insists that you had better be able to live in both realms at once and that both realms have their pleasures and their misfortunes. Each world holds out doorways between all the heavens and all the hells.

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