The concept of a diaspora refers to a group of people who have been dispersed or have migrated away from their original homeland but maintain a connection to it through culture, identity, or social ties. The term historically comes from the Greek word diaspeirein, meaning “to scatter,” and was originally used to describe the dispersion of the Jewish people.
Today, “diaspora” applies to many groups, including African, Indian, Chinese, and Armenian diasporas, among others. These communities often preserve elements of their original culture, language, and traditions while also adapting to their new environments. Diasporas can form due to various reasons, including voluntary migration, economic opportunities, colonialism, war, persecution, or forced displacement.