0
Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Tribe

If there is a community that has more than 150000 people, who have their own language, culture. Can we call them a tribe? Thank you.
  

Top answer

If it is a traditional society, that would be a possible choice. There is no limit on the number of members of a tribe. However, here is a Usage Note: In historical contexts, the word tribe is broadly accepted (the area was inhabited by Slavic tribes), but in contemporary contexts, it is problematic when used to refer to a community living within a traditional society.

— Mister Micawber

  • If it is a traditional society, that would be a possible choice.
  • There is no limit on the number of members of a tribe.
  • However, here is a Usage Note: In historical contexts, the word tribe is broadly accepted (the area was inhabited by Slavic tribes), but in contemporary contexts, it is problematic when used to refer to a community living within a traditional society.
  • It is strongly associated with past attitudes of white colonialists toward so-called primitive or uncivilized peoples living in remote undeveloped places.
  • For this reason it is generally preferable to use alternative terms such as community or people
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
If it is a traditional society, that would be a possible choice. There is no limit on the number of members of a tribe. However, here is a Usage Note:

In historical contexts, the word tribe is broadly accepted (the area was inhabited by Slavic tribes), but in contemporary contexts, it is problematic when used to refer to a community living within a traditional society. It is strongly
0
0
Mister MicawberIf it is a traditional society, that would be a possible choice. There is no limit on the number of members of a tribe. However, here is a Usage Note:In historical contexts, the word tribe is broadly accepted (the area was inhabited by Slavic tribes), but in contemporary contexts, it is problematic when used to refer to a community living within a tradition
0
0
Anonymous. Shouldn't it be,'If it was a traditional society, that would be...' instead of 'if it is...'?
No. Mixed conditionals are common. It is only in language lessons that the three conditional forms are drilled.
0
0
Mister Micawber Anonymous. Shouldn't it be,'If it was a traditional society, that would be...' instead of 'if it is...'?No. Mixed conditionals are common. It is only in language lessons that the three conditional forms are drilled.
You mean to say its a mixed conditional of conditional one and conditional two In your sentence? and also would it be wrong If I
0
0
AnonymousYou mean to say its a mixed conditional of conditional one and conditional two In your sentence?
Yes. The II is for courtesy.
Anonymouswould it be wrong If I used was instead of is in your sentence?
No, that would be fine.
0

Related Questions