Sojourners is a term used to describe people who are temporarily residing in a place that is not their home. The spelling of sojourners can be broken down phonetically as /ˈsɒdʒənəz/. The first syllable is pronounced like the word "sodge" with a short "o" sound, the "j" is pronounced like a "dzh" sound, and the final syllable ends with a short "uh" sound. This spelling accurately reflects the word's etymology from the Latin word "subdiurnus," meaning "lasting a day."
Sojourners, noun (plural): individuals who temporarily reside in a place that is not their permanent home, typically for a specific purpose or duration.
Sojourners refer to people who temporarily dwell or reside in a location other than their usual and permanent home. This temporary stay is often characterized by a specific purpose or duration, such as for work, study, tourism, or other personal reasons. It implies a transient or non-permanent nature, where individuals reside in a place temporarily and retain a connection to their original home.
Sojourners may encompass a range of individuals, including expatriates, immigrants, travelers, students, or professionals, who temporarily relocate and inhabit a foreign or unfamiliar place. They may be motivated by personal growth, professional opportunities, exploration, education, cultural exchange, or simply a desire to experience a different environment.
While sojourning, individuals typically maintain a connection or affiliation with their permanent residence. They may retain ties with their home community, culture, or country and intend to return after a predetermined period. Sojourners often navigate a dynamic, transient lifestyle, adapting to their temporary surroundings while recognizing their eventual departure.
The term "sojourners" emphasizes the temporary nature of their stay, distinguishing them from long-term residents or locals. It reflects the notion of residing in a place for an intermediate period, suggesting a temporary transition or liminal phase in an individual's life.
The word "sojourners" originated from the Old French word "sojorner", which itself derived from the Latin word "subdiurnare". "Subdiurnare" can be broken down into "sub" meaning "under" or "below" and "diurnus" meaning "day". Thus, the original Latin term referred to "staying under a day". Over time, "sojorner" evolved in Middle English to become "sojourn", referring to a temporary stay or dwelling in a place. From there, the term "sojourners" was formed, and it refers to people who stay temporarily or temporarily reside in a place.