Understanding of Nation Flashcards
Define: NATION
Nation is an idea that means different things to different people. Some people think a nation is a country with physical territory and a government. Others think a nation is people who share a sense of belonging together and who want to control their own destiny. Generally, nation can equal shared characteristics (beliefs, languages, religion, traditions, etc.). This means that you don’t have to be members of the same country to be a part of the same nation.
Understand and give an example: LINGUISTIC NATION
Some people believe that language is the foundation for a nation (linguistic nation). English is the first language of up to 480 million people around the world, but few would say that the world’s English speakers make up a single nation. However, when a single language - whether it is English or another language - is spoken by a great many people, it can create a feeling of belonging so powerful that it inspires a sense of nation.
For example, QUEBEC
The Quebecois are extremely nationalistic, and come together because of their shared language. Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government passed a motion saying that “the Quebecois form a nation within a united Canada.” Quebec is a nation within a nation.
Understand and give an example: ETHNIC NATION
Many nations are based on ethnic markers. Ethnic means the racial, cultural, national or linguistic characteristics that people because they share the same ancestors. Many people believe that basing the idea of nation on a shared ethnicity helps protect a people’s collective identity. But others believe that this idea is dangerous because people may begin to think in terms of “us” and “them”.
For example, UKRAINIAN NATION
The ‘Ukrainian nation’ includes people from all around the world. There are tons of Ukrainian in Canada who would say that they are part of the Ukrainian and Canadian nation.
Understand and give an example: CULTURAL NATION
Culture - the ways of life that people share - can also inspire a sense of nation. Sometimes, both culture and ethnicity play a strong role in developing a sense of nation; at other times, culture is more important.
For example, FIRST NATIONS
There are many different groups of First Nations people who have totally different cultures, even though they are of the same ethnicity.
Understand and give an example: RELIGIOUS NATION
Religion can also decide the boundaries of a nation. Religious traditions help people share religious beliefs, which can contribute to a sense of nation.
For example, JEWISH NATION
The Jewish nation, which is over 3,000 years old, has rarely had a country to call its own. They are a nation, but they haven’ts always been a country.
Understand and give an example: GEOGRAPHIC NATION
Nations can sometimes be defined in the same way as counties: by borders, mountains, deserts, etc. which isolate one group from another. When peoples are isolated by geography, they develop in their own ways.
For example, TIBET
For thousands of years, Tibetans were isolated on the vast Tibetan plateau. As a result, they developed a distinct language and culture, as well as religious beliefs and forms of government.
Understand and give an example: SPIRITUAL NATION
Some people define nation based upon land that a group of people considers sacred. These place can inspire a sense of awe and wonder in people.
For example, SIKSIKA NATION
“Spirit of place” is a phrase that is often used to describe the spiritual connect between human being and a particular place. The Siiska nation has a unique relationship between them and their traditional territory. This territory lies east of the Rocky Mountains in what is now southern Alberta and Saskatchewan and the American state of Montana.
A people’s relationship with the land is sometimes linked to the spiritual connections that unite them. A place can be deeply important to people for many reasons.
For example, JEWS CHRISTIANS MUSLIMS
Jews, Christians and Muslims all consider Jerusalem to be of sacred importance. Wars have been raging almost non-stop for hundreds of years over the land because different groups of people believe that it belongs to their nation.
Understand and give an example: POLITICAL NATION
One way to define nation is by determining whether a group of people has sovereignty - the political authority to control their own affairs. Some believe that desired self-determination is enough to make a group of people a nation.
For example, CANADA
Canada has had sovereignty since it became a country in 1867.
For example, TIBET
Tibet lost control of its sovereignty in 1949, when the Chinese began taking it over. Some believes that the Tibetan people’s desire for sovereignty (self-determination) means that they are a nation.
For example, DENE
The Dene want to remain a part of the country of Canada but want to govern themselves and be their own nation. They desire self-determination and sovereignty.
What is the difference between self-determination and sovereign?
Self-determination is the DESIRE to be self-governing and sovereign is the actual ability to self govern.
Understand and give an example: CIVIC NATION
The word civic means citizens. A civic nation is a nation wherein all the citizens agree to live by a set of laws, beliefs and values. Therefore, civic nationalism is a group of citizens living together under shared political beliefs, values and laws. There are no other similarities between people in a civic nation. As long as a group of people agree to live together and by the same rule, they are demonstrating civic nationalism.
For example, CANADA
In Canada, civic nation is demonstrated through “rule of law”, which is a big part of our constitution. Rule of Law is a part of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We agree to abide by these laws as a condition of living in Canada. So, even though we as Canadians don’t necessarily have a lot in common (religion, language, ethnicity, etc.), we are all a part of a civic nation. Essentially, we’ve all agreed to accept each other’s differences.
What is the difference between ethnic nationalism and civic nationalism?
An ethnic nation is a nation founded on a shared ethnicity, culture or language. Whereas, a civic nation is many different people coming together, and an ethnic nation is many similar people coming together.
