What is genealogy? Definition
The word “genealogy” is derived from two Greek words: “genos” (family or descent) and “logos” (logic, reason or knowledge).
Genealogy, therefore, means studying or acquiring knowledge of a generation. It includes the study of a person’s ancestors and the compilation of suitable methods to convey the various relationships, i.e. a family register (indicating male ancestors and their families) or a pedigree chart (indicating the person’s four grandparents and their direct ancestors).
Genealogy also includes the study of a person’s descendants, consisting of a record or exhibit of a person or family’s descent in the natural order of succession encompassing pedigree and lineage.
By placing the genealogical data in the context of prevailing economic, religious and political timelines, further insight into the family members' lives and decisions can be gained.
