Final answer:
Franz Boas discovered that Arctic communities each had distinct cultural practices and languages. His research emphasized the importance of ethnographic data and the sharing of ideas between cultures. Boas aimed to describe and understand cultures from an insider's point of view.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Franz Boas encountered Arctic communities, he found that they did not all share the same ways of living or the same language, contrary to ethnocentric beliefs at the time. Boas observed that each community had its own unique cultural practices and languages that evolved over time. His research among different groups such as the Kwakiutl peoples of Vancouver Island highlighted the rich ethnographic data and cultural diversity. This data allowed Boas to challenge the prevailing view that cultures develop in isolation towards a common goal. Instead, he proposed that each culture has a unique historical trajectory and that cultures constantly change by sharing ideas and practices. Boas' work in the fields of anthropology and ethnography led him to understand the importance of viewing cultures from an insider's perspective, valuing Native perspectives and values. His commitment to immersive research and accurate ethnographic recording established a rigorous standard for future anthropological studies.