LL-L "Ethnonyms" 2002.09.19 (11) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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 L O W L A N D S - L * 19.SEP.2002 (11) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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From: George M Gibault <gmg at direct.ca>
Subject: LL-L "Ethnonyms" 2002.09.19 (02) [E]

Fellow Lowlanders,

The problem of ethonyms plagues Canadians as well. No-one wants to use the
technically correct "aboriginal" - because of awareness that "abo" in
Australia is VERY derisive and a feeling that it is an awkward, technical
word. (The French "autochtone" sounds even more like a zoological
classification.)
native is often the adjective as in native land claims, but to refer to
them as "natives" is derisive (as well as technically taikng in everyone
born here)and "native peoples" is again respectful but awkward.

Indians is resented in Canada to greatly varying degrees among aboriginal
and non-aboriginals alike. Many American aboriginals have no problem with
it however - as in the American Indian Movement. Currently the preferred
term by Canadian aboriginals appears to be "First Nations" - but if you use
that expression and are not a member of one of these nations you sound like
you are trying very   hard to be politically correct and - especially in
British Columbia where treaties are still being negotiated!!!! you mark
yourself politically whether you mean to our not. The situation is fluid
and will take a while to sort out.  As for Gypsies - the term "Rom" seems
to be popular with those in the know - but Gypsy does not have an
automatically negative connotation to most people. Most Canadians who
haven't had a university education would be quite surprised to hear that it
is an offensive word - since they certainly don't use it that way.

Incidentally, because of very strong Scottish cultural influence in Canada
- "lowlander" means strictly someone of non-highland Scottish descent - and
is regularly used as a jocular insult (along with Sasenach - meaning Saxon
in Gaelic) by those of highland descent for anyone they deem guilty of
petty or dishonourable conduct.

regards to all                          George Gibault

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