Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people find the term offensive as it suggests that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia did not have a history before European invasion, because it is not written and recorded.
'Aborigine' is generally perceived as insensitive, because it has racist connotations from Australia's colonial past, and lumps people with diverse backgrounds into a single group. You're more likely to make friends by saying 'Aboriginal person', 'Aboriginal' or 'Torres Strait Islander'.
Offensive names
However many may not be aware that shortening the term 'Aboriginal' to 'Abo' is highly offensive to Indigenous people due to historical usage and is considered a derogatory term, as 'Koon' or 'Boong' are. It's best to avoid these slurs in general.
The term “Indigenous” is increasingly replacing the term “Aboriginal”, as the former is recognized internationally, for instance with the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. However, the term Aboriginal is still used and accepted.
'Indigenous' (capitalised) is a term extensively used throughout Australia when referring to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia, and related topics. The term is merely used for convenience, to alleviate repeating 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander'.
To make direct eye contact can be viewed as being rude, disrespectful or even aggressive.To convey polite respect, the appropriate approach would be to avert or lower your eyes in conversation. Observe the other person's body language.
The word 'aboriginal' has been in the English language since at least the 16th century to mean "first or earliest known, indigenous". It comes from the Latin ab (from) and origo (origin, beginning). The term was used in Australia to describe its Aboriginal peoples as early as 1789.
Indigenous is a term used to encompass a variety of Aboriginal groups. It is most frequently used in an international, transnational, or global context. This term came into wide usage during the 1970s when Aboriginal groups organized transnationally and pushed for greater presence in the United Nations (UN).
Do not use clichés around Native Americans such as calling men “Chief,” even in fun. There really are tribal chiefs, so this would be considered very disrespectful. Never refer to females as “Squaws,” which is not an Indian word referring to women, but a derogatory one given by non-Indians.
While “Indigenous Peoples” is still an English phrase that attempts to encompass Indigenous Peoples across the globe, it succeeds in many ways that “Aboriginal” does not. First, by including “Peoples” after “Indigenous” it recognizes that there is more than just one group of Indigenous individuals.
What is the correct terminology: American Indian, Indian, Native American, Indigenous, or Native? All of these terms are acceptable. The consensus, however, is that whenever possible, Native people prefer to be called by their specific tribal name.
2. Self identification and community recognition of applicants as Aborigines, particularly where there is evidence of a family history or tradition of Aboriginal descent passed on orally, can provide evidence of Aboriginal descent.
Many people prefer to be called Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, rather than the generic term Indigenous Australian. Image supplied by John Paul Janke. Many people prefer to be called Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, rather than the generic term Indigenous Australian.
Genetic studies have revealed that Aboriginal Australians largely descended from an Eastern Eurasian population wave, and are most closely related to other Oceanians, such as Melanesians.
Since the colonisation of Australia by European settlers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have experienced extreme hardships, ranging from the loss of traditional culture and homelands to the forced removal of children and denial of citizenship rights.
To make sure that no Indigenous Australian misses out on these opportunities to reduce their risks and improve their health, we ask every patient whether they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Will I be treated differently depending on my answer?
The 'more appropriate' terms stress the humanity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 'Aboriginal' which in Latin means 'from the beginning' and other such European words are used because there is no Aboriginal word that refers to all Aboriginal people in Australia.
In Aboriginal culture it is taboo to mention (or in some cases write) the name of a deceased person. Aboriginal people believe that if the deceased person's name is mentioned, the spirit is called back to this world.
It is considered impolite to ask a direct question about a person's salary or wealth. Inquiring about someone's weight or age is also highly inappropriate in many situations. Spitting in public is rude. If there is a line for something, always queue and wait for your turn.
"Aborigine"
'Aborigine' is a noun for an Aboriginal person (male or female). The media, which is sometimes still using this term, has been called on to abandon it because its use has "negative effects on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' self-esteem and mental health".
In Australian Aboriginal mythology, Baiame (or Biame, Baayami, Baayama or Byamee) was the creator god and sky father in the Dreaming of several Aboriginal Australian peoples of south-eastern Australia, such as the Wonnarua, Kamilaroi, Guringay, Eora, Darkinjung, and Wiradjuri peoples.
There is no one Aboriginal word that all Aborigines use for Australia; however, today they call Australia, ""Australia"" because that is what it is called today. There are more than 250 aboriginal tribes in Australia. Most of them didn't have a word for ""Australia""; they just named places around them.
Hence, Columbus and the Portuguese colonists called the indigenous inhabitants “indeos” – the Portuguese for what we call in English “Indians.” It was the term that was to remain in use in western culture to the present. The term America is thought to be associated with the explorer and map-maker Amerigo Vespucci.