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Sep 25, 2023 · The name ‘Roma’ finds its roots in the ancient city of Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire. The term ‘Roma’ was initially used to refer to the inhabitants of the city. Over time, it evolved to encompass the broader Roman civilization and its cultural influence across Europe and beyond.
The meaning, origin and history of the given name Roma.
Jun 6, 2024 · Roma, an ethnic group of traditionally itinerant people who originated in northern India but live in modern times worldwide, principally in Europe. Most Roma speak some form of Romany, a language closely related to the modern Indo-European languages of northern India, as well as the major language of the country in which they live.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- The Roma are an ethnic group of traditionally itinerant people who originated in northern India and today live worldwide, principally in Europe. Mo...
- The Roma people live principally in Europe, especially in the Slavic-speaking lands of the Balkans and central Europe. Many Roma live in Romania, B...
- The word Roma is the plural form of Rom. Many Roma refer to themselves as Rom, a generic name that means “man” or “husband.”
- Because the Roma are a traditionally nomadic people, they have often been blamed for many evils by local populaces and majority groups and persecut...
- Who Are Roma?
- Where Do Roma Come from?
- What Did Roma do?
- How Were They Treated?
- Is It OK to Call Roma “Gypsies”?
- What’s The Difference Between Roma and Travellers?
- How Many Roma Are there?
- What’s The Situation For Roma in Europe Today?
- What Impact Does This have?
- Why Is This Happening?
The word “Roma” means “man” and refers to lots of different sub-groups, including Kalderash in south-eastern Europe; Romanichals in England; Sinti in Germany, Italy, and France; Kalé in Wales, Finland, Spain and Portugal; and Gitano from Spain, as well as many others. Roma identify themselves differently according to history, language and professio...
Historians think the Roma’s ancestors first arrived in Europe from northern India, through what is now Iran, Armenia and Turkey. They gradually spread their way across the whole of Europe from the 9th century onwards.
Traditionally, they travelled from place to place, although the majority of Roma are now “sedentary” (settled in one place). They included artisans (for example, wood and copper craft workers), farm workers, blacksmiths, musicians, fortune-tellers and entertainers. At first, they were welcomed for their skills, but governments and the church soon s...
In many regions, Roma were forced into slavery, a practice which continued into the 19th century in Romania and elsewhere. Roma were also sentenced to death throughout the medieval era in England, Switzerland and Denmark. This later grew into organized persecution. Many countries, including Germany, Poland and Italy, ordered the expulsion of all Ro...
In most languages, “gypsy” is considered insulting and is rejected by Roma organizations. “Roma” is the right word to use for all related groups, regardless of their country of origin. It became the accepted global term in 1971, when representatives of Roma communities adopted a flag, anthem and international day (8 April). However, there are some ...
Travellers have a different ethnicity to Roma, and live in countries across Europe including France, Ireland and the UK. They often maintain a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle, unlike most Roma.
There is no official or reliable count of Romani populations worldwide. In Europe, there are between 10 and 12 million Roma. Most of them – around two thirds – live in central and eastern European countries, where they make up between 5 and 10 per cent of the population. There are also sizeable Romani minorities in western Europe, especially in Ita...
Millions of Roma live in isolated slums, often without any electricity or running water, and struggle to get the health care they need. Many live with the daily threat of forced evictions, police harassment and violent attacks. Romani children also often suffer segregation in schools and receive a lower standard of education.
Roma have more health problems, worse housing and lower literacy levels than non-Roma people. In central and eastern Europe, they can expect to live 10 years less than others. On average, they also earn less and are more likely to be unemployed. Without good jobs, they can’t afford proper housing, good health care, or a quality education for their ...
This situation is not the inevitable result of poverty. It’s because of centuries of prejudice and discrimination from governments, institutions and individuals. Together, they have pushed the great majority of Roma to the margins of society – and kept them there.
Their original name is from the Sanskrit word डोम, ḍoma and means a member of the Dom caste of travelling musicians and dancers. The Roma population moved west into the Ghaznavid Empire and later into the Byzantine Empire. The Roma are thought to have arrived in Europe around the 13th to 14th century.
Where do they come from? Everyone agrees the Roma originated in India. Now for some extensive quotes from the forward (written by Ian Hancock) to Bright Balkan Morning (Written by Charles and Angeliki Vellou Keil). “So who were those first Roma?
• The origin of Roma and Sinti people: India? Pakistan? Punjab? • 1110-1300 Byzantine Empire. Dialects of the Romani cˇhib language. • 15th century throughout Europe. • 19th century Westbound migration from the Balkans. Continue reading...
