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Indigenous Peoples' terminology


There are a huge variety of terms used to describe the peoples most commonly called “tribal people” or “Indigenous People.” All of them are problematic; none are entirely satisfactory: A people The key to understanding “indigenous” and “tribal” is to know what a “people” is. Although the word “people” can be used as the plural of “person,” it also means a distinct identifiable society. When used in this sense it is a singular, not a plural word. We often use it to refer to a nation – the Scottish are a people, as are the Moroccans. However, there are usually many different peoples existing within one country. Consider, for example, the English, Scottish, Welsh and Manx, who all exist as distinct peoples within Great Britain. The world’s population is divided into countless peoples, each with their own particular characteristics – or “markers” – which signal belonging. One of the most obvious markers is a shared common language and identity.


Language
English
Region
Global
Resource type
Notes
Organization
Survival International


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