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Regionalism: meaning, definitions and examples

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regionalism

 

[ˈriːdʒənəˌlɪzəm ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 Wood’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "regionalism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 regionalismo

🇮🇳 क्षेत्रवाद

🇩🇪 Regionalismus

🇮🇩 regionalisme

🇺🇦 регіоналізм

🇵🇱 regionalizm

🇯🇵 地域主義 (chiikishugi)

🇫🇷 régionalisme

🇪🇸 regionalismo

🇹🇷 bölgeselcilik

🇰🇷 지역주의 (jiyeokjuui)

🇸🇦 الإقليمية (al-iqlimiya)

🇨🇿 regionalismus

🇸🇰 regionalizmus

🇨🇳 区域主义 (qūyù zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 regionalizem

🇮🇸 svæðishyggja

🇰🇿 аймақтық (aymaqtıq)

🇬🇪 რეგიონალიზმი (regionalizmi)

🇦🇿 regionalizm

🇲🇽 regionalismo

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.