The spelling of the word "Romani" is not straightforward, as it can take on different forms depending on the context in which it is used. The word typically refers to the language of the Romani people, also known as the Roma or Gypsies. Its spelling reflects its pronunciation, which can vary depending on the speaker's dialect. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is typically pronounced as /ˈrɒməni/, with stress on the first syllable. The letter "i" at the end of the word is not pronounced, but serves as a marker for the feminine gender.
Romani, also known as Romany or Gypsy, refers to an ethnic group with origins in South Asia, primarily in regions such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. They are recognized as an itinerant population known for their distinct culture, customs, and language, called Romani or Romanes. The Romani people inhabit various countries around the world, with significant populations found in Europe, the Americas, and Australia.
Romani culture is diverse and rich, characterized by unique traditions, music, dance, and craftsmanship. Despite significant persecution and discrimination throughout history, they have managed to preserve their vibrant heritage. Romani individuals typically adhere to close-knit communal structures, often living in extended family units or clans.
The Romani language, Romani or Romanes, consists of several dialects and variations. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family, featuring influences from Sanskrit, Persian, and other languages encountered during their migration across continents. This language forms a crucial component of Romani identity and is widely spoken within their communities.
The term "romani" is also used as an adjective to describe anything related to the Romani people or their culture. It pertains to aspects such as Romani music, Romani dance, or Romani traditions. Furthermore, "romani" is sometimes employed as a synonym for wandering or nomadic lifestyles, drawing on the historical and contemporary emphasis on mobility within Romani communities.
The word "Romani" is derived from "Rom" or "Roma", which refers to the people known as the Romani or the Roma. The Romani are an ethnic group also colloquially known as Gypsies or Travelers, who originated in the northern Indian subcontinent.
The etymology of the word "Romani" can be traced back to the Sanskrit term "ḍoma", which means "man of low caste, a robber, or a magical being". This term evolved into the Middle Persian term "dom", which referred to the ethnic group known as the Dom people, who were of Indian origin and known for their nomadic lifestyle. From Middle Persian, the term "dom" passed into Armenian, where it became "dom", and from there, it spread into various European languages.