diaspora
UK: daɪˈæspərə | US: daɪˈæspərə
n. the dispersion or spread of a people from their original homeland
n. a group of people living outside their ancestral homeland, often retaining cultural ties
n. (capitalized) the Jewish communities outside Israel after the Babylonian exile
The word diaspora originates from Greek diaspeirein ("to scatter, disperse"), combining dia- (across) and speirein (to sow). It initially described the scattering of seeds, later metaphorically applied to human migration. Historically, it referred to the Jewish exile, but now broadly denotes any dispersed cultural group. The term retains its agricultural imagery, emphasizing both displacement and cultural propagation.
The Armenian diaspora maintains strong ties to its homeland.
The African diaspora has influenced music and cuisine worldwide.
Diaspora communities often preserve traditions better than those in the homeland.
The Jewish Diaspora began with the Babylonian exile.
Modern technology helps diaspora members stay connected across borders.