Afro-American
UK[ˌæfrəʊ əˈmerɪkən]US[ˌæfroʊ əˈmɛrɪkən]
adj
Relating to Black Americans or their culture.
n
A Black American person.
Morpheme Breakdown
Afro
American
Afro
Africa
American
America
Etymology
The term 'Afro-American' is a modern compound, constructed in the 19th century during a period of heightened cultural and political identity formation. The first element, 'Afro-', directly references the African continent, acknowledging ancestral origins and heritage. The second element, '-American', asserts national identity and belonging within the United States. This compound structure serves to create a distinct ethnonym that simultaneously recognizes a specific historical and cultural lineage while affirming citizenship and connection to the American nation.
Analysis
Structure: Afro (Africa) + American (America)
- Afro: From Latin 'Afer' (African). A combining form meaning 'of Africa' or 'African'.
- American: From the name of the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. A combining form meaning 'of America' or 'American'.
Examples
The museum has a significant collection of Afro-American art and literature.
She is a prominent scholar in Afro-American studies.
The festival celebrates Afro-American music, from spirituals to jazz and hip-hop.