Ethnic Markers

The most important group characteristics and cultural baggage the immigrants brought to these shores can be referred to as ethnic markers. Ethnic markers are derived from:

1. Common ancestral origin
2. race or physical characteristics
3. similar culture or customs
4. language
5. religion
6. common values or ethos
7. sense of peoplehood
8. Gemeinschaft relations

Ethnic markers can be identified from both physical objects and ideas the immigrants brought with them fromthe old country. Such markers are found in:

a. Spoken Language


• standard immigrant language and dialects
• vocabulary items retained after the use of the original language has died out
• radio and television broadcasts

b. Names


• family names
• street names
• place names
• documented name changes
• names of current local businesses

c. The Written Word


• books in the immigrant language and published in the USA
• newspapers inthe immigrant language and published in the USA
• inscriptions on buildings and on church stained glass windows
• Catholic memorial cards
• tombstones
• hymns and songs
• church records
• letters
• diaries and family histories

d. Art


• poetry and prose
• drawings and paintings
• photographs
• music

e. Architecture


• old homes
• churches
• business structures
• public buildings, designed and constructed by immigrants
• parks, roads, and bridges

f. Household Items


• clothing
• home furnishings
• tools and utensils
• musical instruments

g. Folklore


• legends and tales
• anecdotes and jokes
• stories and fairy tales
• rhymes and songs

h. Customs and Traditions:


• holidays, Easter and Christmas celebrations
• festivals and craft fairs
• food and drink

i. Organizations


• social clubs
• Turnvereine
• ethnic community bands and dance groups
• singing societies
• historical and heritage societies

To identifiy things German we must be able to read the many clues which dot the American landscape and to intercept them. This requires familiarity with the prototypes, found in the place of origin.

Updated: 17 November 2007, BAS Comments to: IUPUI Max Kade German-American Center, mkgac@iupui.edu This home page sponsored and maintained by IUPUI University Library. URL: http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/kade/nameword/emarkers.html

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