What is the Difference Between Asian and Oriental?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The terms "Asian" and "Oriental" are often used to describe people and things from the Asian continent. However, there are some differences between the two terms:
- Origin: The term "Oriental" is English in origin, as Asia is to the east relative to Great Britain. In contrast, "Asian" is a more general term used to describe people and things from the Asian continent.
- Coverage: "Oriental" has been used by Europeans for centuries to refer to all things from the east, particularly east of Europe. The term "Asian" is more specific and is used for people and things belonging to the Asian continent, including countries like India, Pakistan, China, Japan, and Vietnam.
- Connotations: Some people consider the term "Oriental" to be derogatory due to historical discrimination against Chinese, Korean, and Japanese people in the United States. The term has also been criticized for being inaccurate and outdated, as it does not accurately represent the diverse peoples and cultures of Asia. In contrast, "Asian American" is considered a more accurate and inclusive term to describe people of Asian descent living in the United States.
In summary, "Asian" is a more accurate and inclusive term to describe people and things from the Asian continent, while "Oriental" has some negative connotations and is considered outdated. It is generally preferred to use "Asian" or "Asian American" when referring to people of Asian descent.
Comparative Table: Asian vs Oriental
The terms "Asian" and "Oriental" are often used to describe people or things from the continent of Asia. However, there are some differences between the two terms:
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Asian | Refers to people or things originating from the continent of Asia, including a wide range of diverse cultures and ethnic groups. It is a neutral term and politically correct. |
| Oriental | A traditional term used to refer to people or things from the Eastern world, especially East Asia. It is considered offensive and politically incorrect, as it has been used historically as a derogatory slur. |
It is essential to use the correct term when referring to people from a specific region, continent, or culture, as some words may be derogatory, discriminative, and offensive. In this case, "Asian" is the appropriate term to use, while "Oriental" should be avoided due to its negative connotations.
- Caucasian vs Asian
- Koreans vs Chinese
- Asian vs American Business Culture
- Chinese vs Japanese Food
- Korean vs Japanese
- Chinese Culture vs Western Culture
- East vs West
- Western vs Eastern Europe
- Chinese vs Mandarin
- Chinese vs Japanese Language
- Ethnicity vs Culture
- Cultural vs Ethnic
- Chinese vs Taiwanese
- Thai vs Chinese Food
- African Elephants vs Asian Elephants
- African Lion vs Asian Lion
- Orange vs Mandarin
- Chinese vs Japanese Writing
- Kanji vs Chinese