The dynamics of spirituality: A cross-cultural analysis of untranslatable terms

Article

Lomas, T. 2018. The dynamics of spirituality: A cross-cultural analysis of untranslatable terms. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. 11 (2), pp. 131-140. https://doi.org/10.1037/rel0000163
AuthorsLomas, T.
Abstract

The notion of spirituality is increasingly prominent in academic and cultural discourse alike. However, it remains a nebulous concept, capable of diverse interpretations, particularly cross-culturally. In the interest of exploring this diversity, yet also with the aim of identifying common themes, an enquiry was conducted into conceptualizations of spirituality across cultures. Specifically, the enquiry focused on so-called untranslatable words, i.e., which lack an exact equivalent in another language (in this case, English). Through a quasi-systematic search, together with conceptual snowballing, over 200 relevant terms were located. A grounded theory analysis identified three key dimensions: the sacred, contemplative practice, and self-transcendence. Based on these, a conceptualization of spirituality was formulated that may be valid cross-culturally, namely: engagement with the sacred, usually through contemplative practice, with the ultimate aim of self-transcendence.

JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality
Journal citation11 (2), pp. 131-140
ISSN1941-1022
Year2018
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association for American Psychological Association, Psychology of Religion
Accepted author manuscript
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1037/rel0000163
Web address (URL)https://doi.org/10.1037/rel0000163
Publication dates
Online12 Mar 2018
Publication process dates
Deposited02 Jan 2018
Accepted13 Oct 2017
Accepted13 Oct 2017
Copyright information© American Psychological Association, 2018. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the authoritative document published in the APA journal. Please do not copy or cite without author's permission. The final article is available, upon publication, at: https://doi.org/10.1037/rel0000163
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