Definitions and explanations

One of the reasons many people shy away from working with people from different backgrounds is because they aren’t sure of the right terms to use.

Here are some of the most common terms and definitions. However do be warned, they have a habit of changing…

• African Caribbean: people of African descent born in the Caribbean.

• Asian: people who descend from the Indian-subcontinent. This could include Asian, East African Asian, and British Asians and people who originate from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal or China.

• Black people: those who share common experience of racism based on skin colour. In the census, “black” has now also been more narrowly defined to refer to people who self-define as “African”, “Caribbean” or “black other”.

• Cultural diversity: the full range and variety of the culture of this country, with a particular focus on race and ethnic background.

• Ethnic minority: the Race Relations Act of 1976 defines an ethnic group as a distinct community by virtue of certain common characteristics, for example, a long shared history.

• Diversity: society and communities are made up of a different people all contributing to a richer and more creative environment. “Diversity” refers to the differences in the values, attitudes, cultural perspectives, beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, sexuality, skills, knowledge and life experiences of each individual in any group of people.

• Ethnicity: an individual’s identification with a group sharing any or all of the following: nationality, lifestyles, religion, customs and language.