Etymological tracing: a link between our own and Western methodologies

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to conduct a methodological discussion on the specific methods of conducting research using etymological tracing as a way of building knowledge about peoples and communities. The methodology used was qualitative and explanatory, contrasting Western methodology with the native methodology, conceptualizing etymological tracing from a peoples' perspective, and exemplifying it through the terms ethnomathematics and communication. The technique employed was a documentary review of nineteen scientific articles and two books. In conclusion, etymological tracing is a valuable tool for linguistic inquiry, helping to obtain more precise meanings from contexts.