Ethnogeny

/ɛθˈnɑːdʒəni/ noun

Definition

The origin, formation, and historical development of a particular ethnic group, including how it developed its distinctive identity and culture.

Etymology

From ethno- (ethnic group) and Greek 'genesis' (origin/birth). Used in historical and anthropological scholarship to describe the processes by which distinct ethnic groups emerged.

Kelly Says

The ethnogeny of many European nations is surprisingly recent—the idea of 'Italy' or 'Germany' as unified ethnic entities is less than 200 years old!

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