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Regionalism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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regionalism

[หˆriหdส’ษ™nษ™หŒlษชzษ™m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in language

A word, phrase, or pronunciation that is characteristic of a particular region or dialect and not used by speakers in other areas.

Synonyms

dialectism, provincialism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regionalism

Used to describe cultural, economic, or political characteristics or policies specific to a particular region.

  • The regionalism of the southern states is evident in their distinct cuisine and music
dialectism

Refers to the use of a specific dialect or accent characteristic to a particular region or group.

  • The novel contains a lot of dialectism, reflecting the way people speak in that part of the country
provincialism

Often used negatively to describe a narrow or limited perspective, typically associated with people from smaller towns or rural areas.

  • His provincialism was evident in his disdain for big city life and modern ideas

Examples of usage

  • His use of regionalisms in his speech marked him as a native of the area.
  • She found it difficult to understand the regionalisms used by the locals.
Context #2 | Noun

in culture

A custom or tradition that is unique to a particular region and not practiced elsewhere.

Synonyms

local custom, regional tradition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regionalism

Used in discussions about political or social issues that highlight regional differences or advocate for the interests of a particular region.

  • The rise of regionalism has led to increased autonomy for local governments.
  • His speech emphasized the importance of regionalism in preserving cultural diversity.
local custom

Refers to the specific practices, behaviors or traditions that are commonly observed within a particular community or area.

  • It's a local custom to greet visitors with a special welcome drink.
  • Understanding local customs is important for building good relationships with the community.
regional tradition

Used when talking about longstanding practices, celebrations, or rituals that are unique to a specific geographic area.

  • The regional tradition of folk dancing is celebrated every year with a festival.
  • He studied regional traditions to understand the area's cultural heritage.

Examples of usage

  • The festival is a regionalism that celebrates the local history and heritage.
  • The regionalism of wearing traditional clothing has been passed down for generations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Regionalism flourished in literature to highlight local color, such as Mark Twain's regional works depicting life along the Mississippi River.
  • Authors like Zora Neale Hurston celebrated Southern Black culture, showcasing the importance of regional identity in storytelling.

Art and Culture

  • In visual arts, regionalism emerged in the 1930s in the U.S. as artists painted everyday American life, emphasizing rural and small-town subjects.
  • Grant Woodโ€™s 'American Gothic' is a quintessential example of regionalist art, representing the values and struggles of the American Midwest.

Political Science

  • Regionalism can refer to political movements that seek autonomy or greater power for specific areas within a country, such as Catalonia in Spain.
  • In international relations, regionalism often involves economic agreements among neighboring countries to promote trade and cooperation.

Sociology

  • This concept helps sociologists study how regional identities shape social behaviors and community bonds.
  • In diverse countries, regionalism may lead to a stronger sense of local identity, sometimes creating contrasts with national identity.

Origin of 'regionalism'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'region,' which means a specific area, and '-ism,' a suffix often used to denote principles or habits.
  • First recorded use of 'regionalism' dates back to the early 20th century, primarily in literature and art.

The term 'regionalism' originated in the early 19th century to describe the emphasis or focus on a particular region or local area. It can refer to linguistic differences, cultural practices, or political movements that prioritize regional interests over national ones. Regionalism plays a significant role in shaping identity and diversity within societies.

See also: regional, regionally, regions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,389, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.