ETHNIC CAUCASIAN Meaning and
Definition
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"Ethnic Caucasian" is a term used to describe individuals who belong to the Caucasian racial group and also identify with a specific ethnic or cultural background. The term "Caucasian" originated from the 18th-century anthropological belief that the people of the Caucasus region, particularly from the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, had distinct physical and facial features. Over time, the concept of "Caucasian" expanded to include other people with similar physical characteristics, such as light skin tones, straight or wavy hair, and distinct facial features, notably found in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
When "ethnic" is added, it denotes the additional aspect of cultural or ethnic identification. This acknowledges that Caucasian individuals may also identify with a particular cultural, national, or ethnic background, each with its own traditions, language, history, and customs. For instance, an ethnic Caucasian person may identify with a specific ethnic group such as Irish, Italian, Russian, Armenian, or British.
The term "ethnic Caucasian" emphasizes the cultural, historical, and ancestral dimensions that an individual relates to in addition to belonging to the broader Caucasian racial group. It recognizes the diversity within the Caucasian category, distinguishing between different ethnic identities and their associated cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions.
Etymology of ETHNIC CAUCASIAN
The term "ethnic Caucasian" is not commonly used or recognized in mainstream linguistic or anthropological discourse. However, it appears to be a combination of two separate concepts: "ethnic" and "Caucasian".
The term "ethnic" refers to the cultural, traditional, and social characteristics that define a particular group of individuals. It emphasizes the shared customs, language, religion, and heritage of a specific community.
On the other hand, "Caucasian" is an outdated racial classification that historically referred to people originating from the Caucasus region, situated between Europe and Asia. The term was popularized by German anthropologist Johann Friedrich Blumenbach in the late 18th century, who classified humans into five distinct races: Caucasian, Mongolian, Malayan, Ethiopian, and American indigenous people.
The Caucasian race, as defined by Blumenbach, included various populations from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Western Asia.
