Eskimo

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PSM V37 D324 Greenland eskimo

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Eskimo is a term historically used to describe the indigenous peoples who inhabit the circumpolar region excluding the Sami of Scandinavia and the far north regions of Russia, but including groups like the Yupik and Inuit. The word "Eskimo" has been considered pejorative, as it was believed to mean "eaters of raw meat" in Algonquian languages. However, modern linguists believe that it actually derives from the Ojibwe word "ashkimeq," meaning "to net snowshoes." Today, the term "Eskimo" is used primarily in historical or linguistic contexts, and the preferred terms are the specific names of the different peoples or the collective term "Inuit-Yupik" for those groups.

History and Culture

The history of the Eskimo peoples is rich and varied, with a culture deeply adapted to the harsh Arctic environment. They are renowned for their skills in hunting and fishing, particularly for their ability to hunt seals, whales, and polar bears. Traditional Eskimo life was nomadic, with groups moving seasonally to follow game and fish migrations.

Igloos, or snow houses, are one of the most iconic aspects of Eskimo engineering, providing temporary shelter during hunting trips in the winter. However, not all Eskimo peoples used igloos; some built homes from whalebone, driftwood, and animal skins.

Eskimo societies were generally organized into small, family-based groups with a deep knowledge of their environment and a rich oral tradition. Storytelling, music, and dance were important cultural practices, serving both to entertain and to pass on knowledge and cultural values.

Language

The languages spoken by Eskimo peoples belong to the Eskimo-Aleut language family, which is divided into two main branches: the Yupik languages and the Inuit language. The Inuit language is further divided into several dialects, which stretch from northeastern Siberia across Alaska and northern Canada to Greenland. Despite the geographical spread, the languages maintain a remarkable degree of mutual intelligibility.

Contemporary Issues

Today, the Eskimo peoples face numerous challenges. Climate change poses a significant threat to their traditional way of life, affecting wildlife populations and changing sea ice patterns. Economic development and resource extraction in the Arctic also threaten the environmental health of the region.

There is a strong movement among Eskimo peoples towards self-determination and cultural preservation. This includes efforts to revitalize languages, protect traditional lands, and maintain cultural practices in the face of globalization.

Preferred Terms

The term "Eskimo" is considered outdated and sometimes offensive, particularly in Canada and Greenland where "Inuit" is preferred. In Alaska, "Yupik" and "Inupiat" are the terms used for the different groups. It is always best to use the specific name of the people when known.

See Also

• Inuit culture
• Yupik peoples
• Indigenous peoples of the Arctic