The Meaning of Meaningless Words and the Coefficient of Weirdness

(b. 1884–d. 1942)

Polish anthropologist and ethnologist. Malinoski was heavily influential in challenging the evolutionary paradigm of his predecessors and introducing the theory of functionalism, which argues that institutions satisfy human biological needs as a way to understand other cultures (Holdsworth). Part of what set Malinowski apart was that instead of observing a culture or society, he redefined “fieldwork” when his first attempts to study people failed. Disheartened by the setback, Malinowski resolved to try again, this time with the Trobriand Islands off the northeast coast of New Guinea. Immersed in the Trobriand culture and language, Malinowski's writings and ethnographies of the people redefined how “civilized” society might have viewed them from the outside: these were a people with a complex structure of governing and a language to boot- which is where “The Meaning of Meaningless Words and the Coefficient of Weirdness” comes into play. Overall, according to Chris Holdsworth, “Malinowski tackled some of the most important and controversial topics of his day: economics, religion, family, sex, psychology, colonialism, and war. He insisted that a proper understanding of culture required viewing these various aspects in context.” It is through the combination of these elements of society that we begin to understand people because these are the concerns of humans.

It should be noted that Malinowski argued that language was not simply for communication. Malinowski argues that language is needed to create social bonds and to continue a culture and way of life.

The Trobriand language is called Kilivila (or Kiriwina).

What makes a word powerful?

Holdsworth, Chris. “Bronislaw Malinowski.” Oxford Bibliographies, 31 July 2019, https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199766567/obo-9780199766567-0096.xml.