Question

The Sami are indigenous people living in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia's Kola peninsula. Originally, the Sami religion was animistic; that is, for them, nature and natural objects had a conscious life, a spirit. Therefore, one was expected to move quietly in the wildernss and avoid making a disturbance out of courtesy to these spirits. Ghengis Khan is said to have declared that the Sami were the one people he would never try to fight again. Because the Sami were not warriors and did not believe in war, they simply disappear in times of conflict. They were known as "peaceful retreaters". What is the meaning of the underlined word courtesy as it is used in the passage?

a. Timidity
b. Caution
c. Respect
d. Fear

Answer 1

The word 'courtesy' in the passage refers to the Sami people's respect for the spirits of nature, aligning with the definition of 'courtesy' as a considerate and respectful behavior. Thus, the correct answer is 'c. Respect'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The meaning of the underlined word "courtesy" as used in the passage is "respect". When the passage describes moving quietly in the wilderness and avoiding making a disturbance, it is referring to the act of showing deference to the spirits believed to inhabit nature. The context implies that the Sami people conducted themselves in a manner that was considerate and respectful of the spirits, which aligns with the definition of "courtesy" as a polite behavior that shows respect for other people (or, in this case, spirits).

In the context of the passage, the use of "courtesy" does not imply timidity, caution, or fear. Rather, it highlights a cultural practice rooted in reverence and thoughtful acknowledgment of the spirits believed by the Sami to live within nature. Thus, the correct answer to the student's question is c. Respect.