What codes and symbols do the members of the group use as “ethnic markers” to communicate their identity and set themselves apart from others?

Your paper should analyze how the collective identity of this group developed over time, and how they are interacting with the nation-state they are living in today.

Please organize your paper as follows:

1) Introduce your chosen ethnic group, using the following questions:

How did that particular group emerge and start to think of itself as a distinct community?
Where does the group live today? Do they think of themselves as “original inhabitants” of that area, or do they claim to come from somewhere else? If the latter is the case, what is their alleged place of origin, what were the reasons for their migration, and when did they migrate to their current territory? Which role does their story of “origin” play in constructions of a collective identity?
What codes and symbols do the members of the group use as “ethnic markers” to communicate their identity and set themselves apart from others? (names, language usage/dialect, dress, jewelry, food, rituals, housing styles etc.)

2) Historical developments, particularly during the colonial era:

Which impact did the era of Western colonization have on their identity construction? What was the nature of their relationship with the colonizing power?

3) What is the relationship with the nation-state they are living in today?

Are they recognized and treated as full citizens and equal members of the national community? Or are they treated as marginalized outsiders?
Are their particular cultural / religious practices accepted, or does the state try to assimilate them to the culture of the “nation” or dominant ethnic group?
Is the culture of this particular group included and mentioned in the nation-state’s self-representation (for example in history books telling the story of the nation, in national media, tourist brochures etc.)?
Do the members of this ethnic group have equal access to education, jobs, healthcare etc.?
Have members of this ethnic group become politically active to improve the situation of their community?

You might not be able to answer all these questions for the group you have selected. But your paper should be subdivided into the three parts mentioned above (introduction of ethnic group, historical/colonial changes, today’s situation in their nation-state).

you can also use other materials such as biographies, documentaries, or newspaper and magazine articles.

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