diaspora
dye-AS-puh-ruh
/daɪˈæspərə/
The dispersion of any people from their original homeland.
Usually refers to a large-scale, often involuntary, movement of an ethnic or national group.
The story behind the word. In Greek, 'diaspeirein' meant 'to scatter about like seeds'. It was first used in the Septuagint to describe the scattering of the Jews, but now applies to any ethnic group living far from their home.
Word relationships
- dispersion: Dispersion is the general act of spreading; diaspora specifically refers to people and their shared identity.
- homeland: The original country or territory of a people.
Commonly confused with
- exodus: Exodus is the act of leaving; diaspora is the state of being scattered after leaving.
Word family
- diasporic (adjective): Relating to a diaspora.
Collocations
- global diaspora
- diaspora community
- cultural diaspora
Example sentences
- "The African diaspora has had a profound impact on the music and art of the Americas." Discussing global culture.
- "Members of the Greek diaspora often maintain strong ties to their ancestral villages." Sociological analysis.
Memory hook
Think of 'seeds' being 'dispersed' across the 'area'. Scattered seeds.
When not to use
Do not use for a few individuals moving; it refers to the collective group of people living outside their homeland.
Fun facts
- The word 'sperm' comes from the same Greek root 'speirein' (to scatter/seed).
Related words
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