hazara
C2Formal, academic, geopolitical discourse, anthropological.
Definition
Meaning
An ethnic group primarily native to the Hazarajat region in central Afghanistan, and parts of Pakistan and Iran.
Refers to the people, culture, language (Hazaragi, a dialect of Persian), and historical identity associated with this group, often characterised by their distinct Shi'a Muslim religious identity in a predominantly Sunni region.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a proper noun (demonym). In English-language contexts, it functions as a singular and plural noun (e.g., one Hazara, many Hazara). It is a culturally and politically significant term, often linked to discussions of ethnic conflict, persecution, displacement, and human rights in Afghanistan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in usage or spelling; the term is used identically in geopolitical and academic reporting in both regions.
Connotations
The term carries the same primary ethnic/cultural connotation in both varieties. May be more commonly encountered in British English due to historical colonial ties to the region, but this is negligible.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Slightly higher frequency in media, academia, and policy circles during periods of crisis in Afghanistan. No significant US/UK difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Hazara] + [community/people/minority][ethnic] + [Hazara][persecution of/against] + [the Hazara]Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually non-existent.
Academic
Used in anthropology, political science, history, and sociology texts discussing Central/South Asian ethnicity, conflict studies, and migration.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation except when discussing specific current events or personal backgrounds related to Afghanistan.
Technical
Used as a precise demographic and ethnic classification in reports by NGOs, the UN, human rights organisations, and intelligence agencies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Hazara community in Quetta has established vibrant cultural centres.
- She studies Hazara folklore and traditions.
American English
- A Hazara activist spoke at the UN about minority rights.
- There is a significant Hazara diaspora in the United States.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The Hazara are an ethnic group from Afghanistan.
- Some Hazara people live in Pakistan.
- Historically, the Hazara minority has faced significant discrimination in the region.
- Many Hazara refugees have sought asylum in Australia and Europe in recent decades.
- Anthropological research suggests the Hazara are descendants of Mongol troops who settled in the region in the 13th century.
- The persecution of the Hazara has been a persistent feature of Afghanistan's complex ethnic politics, raising serious human rights concerns.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "HAZAra people live in the highlands of AFGHAnistan." HA (highlands) ZA (of Afghanistan).
Conceptual Metaphor
"THE MARGINALISED OTHER" – Often framed in media as a persecuted minority, a community under threat, highlighting resilience and struggle.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'заря' (dawn).
- Do not confuse with the geographical term 'хазары' (Khazars), a different historical Turkic people.
- The stress in English is on the second syllable: ha-ZA-ra, unlike possible Russian instinct to stress the first.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'Hazzara', 'Hazaraa'.
- Using as an adjective without a noun (e.g., 'He is Hazara' is correct; 'He is a Hazara' is also acceptable as a noun).
- Pronouncing with a hard 'z' (like in 'zoo'); it's a softer /z/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'Hazara' most accurately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a proper noun (a demonym), but it functions adjectivally in phrases like 'Hazara community' (noun adjunct). One can say 'He is Hazara' (noun) or 'He is a Hazara man' (adjective).
"Hazara" is both singular and plural, similar to words like 'Chinese' or 'Japanese.' You would say 'one Hazara' and 'two million Hazara.'
Most speak Hazaragi, which is a dialect of Persian (Dari) with some Turkic and Mongol vocabulary influences. Many are multilingual, also speaking the official languages of their resident countries.
The Hazara have been targets of systematic persecution and violence by extremist groups like ISIS-K, making their security situation a key human rights and geopolitical issue in discussions about Afghanistan.