Lost in Translation – 2
The Importance of Hospitality in Cultures Around the World
In many cultures around the world, hospitality is considered an important virtue. From welcoming strangers to your home to offering a helping hand to those in need, the act of hospitality is often seen as a way to build connections and foster positive relationships.
Inuit Hospitality as a Response to Harsh Arctic Climate
In the Inuit culture, hospitality is particularly important. The harsh and unforgiving Arctic climate often meant that travelers and visitors were in need of a warm and welcoming place to stay. Inuit communities would open their homes to these visitors, offering them shelter, food, and companionship.
Definition and Meaning of Iktsuarpok in Inuit Culture
But the act of hospitality is not just about welcoming strangers into your home. It’s also about the anticipation of waiting for someone to arrive. In the Inuit language, this feeling is known as Iktsuarpok.
Anticipation and Excitement of Waiting for Someone to Arrive
Iktsuarpok is the feeling of anticipation and excitement that comes from waiting for someone to arrive. It’s that feeling that leads you to peek through the curtains, check the door, and pace around your living room. It’s the feeling of looking forward to spending time with someone, of wanting to share your space and your time with them.
Universal Nature of Iktsuarpok
In some ways, Iktsuarpok is a universal feeling. We’ve all experienced the anticipation and excitement of waiting for someone to arrive, whether it’s a friend coming over for dinner, a family member returning from a trip, or a loved one arriving for a surprise visit.
Significance of Waiting for Visitors in Inuit Communities
But the Inuit culture has a particularly strong emphasis on this feeling. In a place where visitors were often few and far between, the act of waiting for someone to arrive was a special occasion. It was a chance to connect with the outside world, learn about new people and places, and share stories and experiences.
Connections with the Outside World and Sharing of Experiences
Today, Iktsuarpok is still an important part of Inuit culture. It’s a reminder of the importance of hospitality and of the connections we can build with others. It’s a reminder to always be open and welcoming to new people and new experiences and to approach life with a sense of curiosity and excitement.
Iktsuarpok as a Reminder of Hospitality and Openness to New Experiences
So the next time you find yourself pacing around your living room, waiting for someone to arrive, remember Iktsuarpok. Remember the excitement and anticipation of welcoming someone into your home and your life. And remember the importance of hospitality and the connections it can create.
Dive Deeper
Book Recommendation
One book that explores the concept of Iktsuarpok and Inuit culture more broadly is “The Eskimo and The Oil Man: The Battle at the Top of the World for America’s Future” by Bob Reiss. This book tells the story of the conflict between Inuit communities and the oil industry in the Arctic, and in doing so, provides a detailed and nuanced look at Inuit culture and values, including the importance of hospitality and the concept of Iktsuarpok. It is a well-researched and thought-provoking book that offers insights into the challenges facing Inuit communities and their way of life in the modern world.
Documentary/ Video
One great documentary that explores Inuit culture and the concept of Iktsuarpok is “The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)” directed by Zacharias Kunuk. It is a Canadian film that tells the story of a nomadic Inuit community in the Arctic, and their struggles with love, jealousy, and revenge. The film is a beautiful and authentic portrayal of Inuit culture, featuring Inuit actors speaking in their native language, Inuktitut.
While the documentary does not explicitly explore the concept of Iktsuarpok, it does provide an intimate and immersive look into Inuit life and values, including their strong sense of community and the importance of relationships. You can watch the documentary here: https://youtu.be/I2RyuS6TpUU
“The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)” has won numerous awards, including the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Genie Award for Best Motion Picture. It is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique perspective on Inuit culture and the challenges facing Indigenous communities in the modern world.
If this article piqued your interest, you may also enjoy delving into this piece – Asabiyyah: The Power of Community Spirit