Asian Americans are a diverse group of people who trace their ancestry to various countries in Asia. They are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States, with a population of over 20 million. Despite their growing numbers, many people still struggle to understand the definition and meaning of Asian Americans.
Definitions
Asian Americans are defined as people who have roots in a country in Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and many others. They are a diverse group of people with different cultures, languages, and traditions.
Origin
Asian Americans have been immigrating to the United States since the mid-1800s. The first wave of immigrants came from China, followed by Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. Many came to the United States to work on railroads, mines, and plantations. Others came to escape poverty, war, or political oppression in their home countries.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of Asian Americans varies depending on the dictionary. According to Merriam-Webster, an Asian American is “a person of Asian ancestry who lives in the United States.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an Asian American as “a person of Asian descent who was either born in the United States or has become a citizen.”
Associations
Asian Americans are often associated with hard work, academic achievement, and family values. They are also often stereotyped as being quiet, submissive, and passive. However, these stereotypes are harmful and do not accurately represent the diversity of the Asian American community.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for Asian Americans include Asian Pacific Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), and Asian diaspora.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for Asian Americans, but some people may use derogatory terms such as “chink” or “gook” to refer to people of Asian descent.
The same root words
The root words of Asian Americans are “Asian” and “American.” “Asian” refers to people from the continent of Asia, while “American” refers to people from the United States.
Example Sentences
- Asian Americans make up a significant portion of the population in many cities across the United States.
- The Asian American community is not a monolith and includes people from many different countries and cultures.
- Asian Americans have made significant contributions to American society, including in the fields of science, technology, and the arts.
- Discrimination and racism against Asian Americans have increased in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.