asianism
|eɪ-ʒən-ɪzəm|
🇺🇸
/ˈeɪʒənɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈeɪʒ(ə)nɪzəm/
doctrine or emphasis relating to Asia/Asians
Etymology
'asianism' originates from Modern English, formed from the adjective 'Asian' plus the suffix '-ism' (from Greek '-ismos' via Latin/French), where 'Asian' derives from 'Asia' meaning the continent 'Asia'.
'asia' entered English via Latin 'Asia' from Greek 'Asía'; the adjective 'Asian' developed in English to mean 'relating to Asia', and the suffix '-ism' (from Greek '-ismos') was attached to form 'asianism' as a term for doctrines or movements related to Asia.
Initially, formations like 'Asian-ism' would have denoted doctrines or characteristics 'relating to Asia'; over time the term has been used more specifically for ideological or rhetorical positions (e.g., advocacy of Asian unity or cultural essentialism).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a political or intellectual doctrine advocating unity, cooperation, or solidarity among Asian peoples and nations (often synonymous with or related to 'Pan-Asianism').
Early 20th-century asianism promoted the idea of Asian solidarity against colonial powers.
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Noun 2
a tendency to emphasize, idealize, or attribute distinct, shared characteristics to Asia or Asian peoples — an outlook of cultural essentialism or regional promotion.
In some discourses asianism appears as a cultural rhetoric that highlights shared traditions across diverse societies.
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Last updated: 2025/10/28 19:12