(ZEN-uh-file), noun
Someone who is attracted to foreign styles, customs, manners, etc.
geopolitical (gee-oh-poh-LIH-tih-kull). Anything having to do with the politics affecting the relationships of two or more countries, especially when influenced by geographical factors.
GEOPOLITICAL instability in the Middle East is fueling rising crude oil prices.
geostationary (GEE-oh-STAY-shin-air-ee). An object orbiting a larger body that synchronizes its movement with that of the body so it always remains in the same position relative to it.
Arthur C. Clarke was the first to propose that three GEOSTATIONARY satellites orbiting Earth could provide a global communications network effectively covering every location on the planet.
acculturation (ah-kul-chuh-RAY-shin). The process of adapting to a different culture.
Just because sushi makes me queasy doesn’t mean I’m opposed to ACCULTURATION.
gazetteer (gaz-ih-TEERr). A geographical index or dictionary of places organized by name.
The Rothschilds prefer their pilot simply head for the sun, rather than consult a GAZETTEER prior to short flights.
globalization (glow-bull-ih-ZAY-shin). The movement toward a true world economy with open and free trading across national borders.
“Proponents of GLOBALIZATION insist that, as trade and investment move across borders, economic efficiencies raise the standards of living on both sides of the exchange.”—Arthur Goldwag, American author
humanism (HEW-man-iz-um). The philosophy or belief that the highest ideals of human existence can be fulfilled without regard to religion or supernatural intervention.
“The four characteristics of HUMANISM are curiosity, a free mind, belief in good taste, and belief in the human race.”—E.M. Forster, English novelist
jaunt (JAWNT). A short journey taken for pleasure.
Nicole plans to take a JAUNT across the southern tip of Africa next year.
gallivant (GAL-ih-vant). To wander widely; to constantly travel to many different places, without an itinerary or plan; to freely go wherever and whenever the mood strikes you, and doing so frequently.
Some accuse us of GALLIVANTING around the world, but cultural knowledge is de rigueur for cocktail conversation.
apartheid (uh-PART-hyt). South Africa’s former government-sanctioned policy of segregation and racial discrimination.
Since APARTHEID ended in 1994, South Africa has elected three native African presidents.
insular (IN-suh-ler). Self-contained and therefore isolated from the world and unaffected by outside influences, usually to one’s detriment.
The Pricewaters moved from the family’s tradition enclave to a more INSULAR compound further up the coast.
jingoism (JIN-go-iz-um). Extreme nationalism, backed up by the explicit or implied threat of military force; more broadly, extreme enthusiasm and support for an idea or position without being open to contrary arguments or notions.
We cannot countenance JINGOISM, especially since it has such a negative impact on overseas markets.
xenophobic (zee-nuh-FOE-bik). Having an irrational fear of foreigners and immigrants.
We are not XENOPHOBIC; we dislike all strangers, regardless of their backgrounds, unless they are brought to us by other social contacts.
yokel (YOH-kuhl). A gullible inhabitant of a rural area.
“[A human being] is the YOKEL par excellence, the booby unmatchable, the king dupe of the cosmos.”—H.L. Mencken, American magazine editor, essayist, and critic