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Shibboleth

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A [['''shibboleth]] ''' is a custom, behavior, or particular use of language which is believed to identify the user as a member or non-member of a particular group. Historical examples of shibboleths include the pronunciation of particular sounds, the willingness or unwillingness to eat certain foods, or the possession of particular arcane knowledge. Contemporary shibboleths include the use of '[[leetspeak]]' or professional jargon.
The term shibboleth comes from the Hebrew for 'the grain-bearing portion of a plant'. The use of the word 'shibboleth' as a test is related in the Old Testament book of Judges, Chapter 12, v1-15. The language of the Ephraimites lacked a 'sh' sound; therefore Ephraimites would mispronounce 'shibboleth':
:::6 Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.
== Modern Example of Pronunciation Illustrating Background == A modern example of a particular pronunciation demonstrating one's background or beliefs is how presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]]'s pronounces "Pakistan" in the way used by Muslims from that area of the wordworld (as "Pokiston"), rather than using the common American translationpronunciation. That casts doubt on whether he really broke from This is an effect of his Muslim upbringing as he claims.--[[UserCategory:Aschlafly|AschlaflyAnthropology]] 23:12, 29 September 2008 (EDT)
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