Indochina

/ˌɪndoʊˈtʃaɪnə/ noun

Definition

A geographical region in Southeast Asia that includes parts of mainland Southeast Asia, historically called Indochina by European colonizers.

Etymology

From 'Indo-' (related to India) + 'China,' a term coined by European geographers in the 1800s to describe the region's blended cultural influences from both Indian and Chinese civilizations.

Kelly Says

Indochina is a colonial name that obscured the actual cultures there—the peoples called themselves by very different names, making this a reminder that many of our geographical terms are European inventions that flattened distinct identities.

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