Diaspora Meaning and Definition
Diaspora
Pronunciation
/daɪˈæspərə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A dispersion of people from their original homeland, often resulting in the creation of a new community or culture. The term can also refer to the people themselves who have been dispersed.
Examples
- The African diaspora has had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of the Americas.
- The Jewish diaspora has been a significant factor in the development of Jewish identity and culture.
Synonyms
- Dispersion
- Migration
- Scattering
Antonyms
- Concentration
- Gathering
- Unification
Additional Information
The concept of diaspora is often associated with the idea of displacement and dislocation. It can be caused by various factors such as war, persecution, economic hardship, or natural disasters. The resulting diaspora community may maintain strong ties to its homeland, while also adapting to the new environment and creating a new sense of identity.
Diaspora can also refer to the people who have been dispersed, as well as their descendants. In this sense, the term can be used to describe the collective experience of a particular group of people, such as the African diaspora or the Jewish diaspora.
The study of diaspora has become increasingly important in recent years, as globalization and technological advancements have led to increased mobility and interconnectedness. Scholars and researchers are now exploring the complex dynamics of diaspora communities and their relationships with their homelands and host countries.
Eymology
The word “diaspora” comes from the Greek word “διασπορά” (diasporá), meaning “a scattering or dispersion of seed”. The term was originally used in the 17th century to describe the dispersion of the Jewish people after the Babylonian exile.
Usage Notes
The term “diaspora” can be used in various contexts, including sociology, anthropology, history, and cultural studies. It is often used to describe the experiences of migrant communities and the cultural, economic, and social impacts of dispersal.
Cultural References
The concept of diaspora has been explored in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. Examples include the novel “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, which explores the experiences of African Americans in the diaspora, and the film “The Namesake” by Mira Nair, which tells the story of an Indian family’s experiences in the diaspora.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“The diaspora of [group name]”: This phrase refers to the dispersal of a particular group of people from their homeland. For example, “The diaspora of the African people had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of the Americas”.
Related Words or Phrases
“Exile”, “expatriate”, “migrant”, “refugee”, “immigrant”.
Collocations
“African diaspora”, “Jewish diaspora”, “diaspora community”, “diaspora identity”, “diaspora culture”.
Frequency of Use
The word “diaspora” has become increasingly common in modern language, particularly in academic and intellectual circles. It is often used in conjunction with other terms such as “globalization”, “migration”, and “multiculturalism”.
Common Misspellings
“Diasporah”, “Diasporia”, “Diasporian”, “Diasporas”.