This text is a simplified version of the interview. Some words that are narrowly specific to this field are not covered. Others are presented because they provide some learning experience. More mainline academic words are emphasized. New vocabulary is presented in one or more of three ways in order to stimulate thinking using all of these ways to master vocabulary and by extension to apply this type of analysis to all school work. The three ways are: context, word form/roots (morphology) and syntax (word order). These three tools should be used to the extent they are helpful in an individual case. Finally, a brief definition is provided.
The words written in capitals provide syntax or context clues.
sarcophagus
- When I was OPENING the TOMB,.....There was a big, six-ton sarcophagus.
- tomb
archaeology
- archae(old/archaic) ology (study of)
- Study of historical remains
excavate
- ...you can excavate all your life. What do archaeologists do?
- ex (take out) cav ( a hole... cavity etc.)
- Dig
The next three share a context.
craftsmen
- You've been excavating the tombs of the Pyramid BUILDERS. What have you FOUND?.......
- crafts
men - Persons with a specific high level of skill
draftsmen
- draft (draw) men
- Drawing/designing professionals
overseer
- over (above you) seer (watch or observe)
- a boss
oath
- I MADE THEM take an oath that they were satisfied.
- to swear, publically declare
architectural components
- Two difficult words together. Try to identify the noun first.
- People always look at the pyramids by THEMSELVES, but each lies in a GROUP of related architectural components, INCLUDING......
- Parts that make up a system
- What kind of components?...architectural
- INCLUDING...What did it include? pyramids, pits, palace, harbor workshops, temple, causeway (all are components of architecture or buildings).
ventilation
- ..they leave behind a lot of water in their breath. This becomes salt...We are REMOVING this salt mechanically, WITH ventilation systems....
- vent (wind) tion (generally an abstract noun, in this case a system or process).
- System of moving air
conservation
- These are things we CANNOT REPEAT; we should close them TO SAVE them. We're undertaking a major conservation project....
- To save things
restoration
- ...TOO MUCH excavation and NOT ENOUGH restoration and CONSERVATION.
- Put back in original condition
deteriorating
- In the Delta,....you can encourage excavations, BECAUSE MOISTURE is quickly deteriorating the monuments. What does moisture do to monuments?
- de (reverse a process) terior (from terr...Latin for earth)... to return to earth.
- to go down, get in worse condition
