Unit 1 – Perspectives on Nationalism: Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing the major terms from Unit 1: Individuals and the Nation State – Perspectives on Nationalism.

Indigenous people

The original peoples of North America and their descendants; in Canada this includes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

civic

Relating to citizenship in a city, region, or country (e.g., showing civic pride).

civic nationalism

Nationalism founded on shared political values or beliefs rather than ethnicity or culture.

civic responsibility

A citizen’s obligation to participate in a free and democratic society (e.g., informed voting, volunteering, reporting crimes).

country

A self-governing territory with internationally recognized borders whose citizens share common values and beliefs.

cultural diffusion

The spreading of one culture’s values, customs, and traditions to other cultures.

culture

The learned and shared way of life of a group, including its customs, beliefs, values, language, religion, politics, economics, technology, education, arts, and recreation.

ethnic background

The language, religion, and customs of one’s family or ancestors.

ethnic group

People who share common racial and cultural traits such as language, religion, and customs.

ethnic nationalism

Nationalism based on a shared common ethnic heritage that may exclude those outside that heritage.

First Nations

Both Status and Non-Status Indians in Canada; one of the three Indigenous groups recognized in the Constitution Act, 1982.

globalization

The growing interconnectedness of people worldwide through trade, media, and migration.

identity

The key characteristics individuals use to describe who they are (e.g., citizenship, beliefs, values).

ideology

A theory or belief system about how society should be organized (e.g., democracy).

Inuit

Indigenous people of Arctic Canada with distinct territory, social structure, and language; recognized in the Constitution Act, 1982.

linguistic identity

Identification with others based on shared first language.

Métis

People of mixed First Nations and European ancestry who identify as Métis; a distinct Indigenous group recognized in Canada.

multination state

A self-governing nation with two or more ethnic or cultural groups within recognized borders (e.g., Canada).

nation

A cultural group whose members share common customs, origins, history, language, and often religion, and recognize one another as belonging to that group.

nation state

An independent nation within recognized borders whose citizens share common values and beliefs.

nationalism

Feelings of identity, loyalty, and pride toward one’s nation, often linked to a desire for political and territorial independence.

non-nationalist loyalty

Loyalty based on religion, region, culture, race, ideology, or class rather than on a particular nation state.

patriotism

Love and support for one’s country, distinct from nationalism’s emphasis on cultural reverence.

perspective

A point of view shaped by an individual’s background and experiences.

pluralism

The preservation of cultural and ethnic diversity within one country, with each group maintaining its own customs and beliefs under the law.

Québécois

A resident of Québec, often referring specifically to a French-speaking person who identifies with Québec’s majority culture.

self-government

Political independence; the ability to govern oneself without outside control.

social class

A group of people of similar social standing or rank in a society.

sovereign country

A fully independent state free from foreign control; completely self-governing.

state

An independent nation within clearly defined, internationally recognized borders whose citizens share common values and beliefs.