Pronunciation: [ʌnpˈiːpə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "Unpeople" is spelled with the prefix "Un-" which shows the negation of the following word, "people". The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ʌnˈpiːpl/, which indicates that the stress is on the second syllable. The "u" sound is pronounced as in "bus", while the "e" sound is pronounced as in "sheep". In summary, "Unpeople" means a group of individuals who are not recognized or acknowledged as people.
Unpeople, a term coined by Mark Curtis, refers to a group or population marginalized, ignored, or deliberately excluded from the collective consciousness or perceived importance of a society, government, or dominant group. It can refer to individuals, communities, or entire nations deemed unworthy of empathy, recognition, or respect.
The concept of unpeople embodies the idea that certain individuals or groups are rendered invisible or insignificant, often as a result of political, social, or economic factors. It highlights the systematic neglect, dehumanization, or erasure of those who fall outside the realms of power, influence, or desirability.
Unpeopling can occur through various means, such as through media manipulation, propaganda, cultural erasure, or political silencing. By denying their existence or minimizing their humanity, those in positions of power can perpetuate social inequality, maintain oppressive systems, or justify atrocities committed against unpeople.
For instance, unpeople can be victims of government-sanctioned violence, ethnic cleansing, or systemic discrimination, often without receiving adequate attention, support, or justice. Additionally, unpeople can be those living in impoverished regions, without access to basic necessities or healthcare, often overlooked in favor of more privileged populations.
The term "unpeople" challenges societies to acknowledge and confront the systemic processes that perpetuate unequal treatment, marginalization, and devaluation of certain individuals or groups. By recognizing the existence and human rights of unpeople, societies can strive towards inclusivity, justice, and equity for all.
To deprive of inhabitants; to depopulate.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "unpeople" is a combination of the prefix "un-" and the noun "people".
The prefix "un-" comes from Old English and is used to indicate the reversal or negation of a word's meaning. It is derived from the Germanic language family and is related to similar prefixes in German and Dutch.
The noun "people" comes from the Middle English word "peple", which was borrowed from the Old French word "peuple". This Old French term itself originated from the Latin word "populus", meaning a community or nation.
Therefore, when we combine the prefix "un-" and the noun "people", we get the word "unpeople", which essentially means to deprive a group or category of individuals of their recognition, rights, or humanity. It is often used to describe marginalized or forgotten groups within society, highlighting their exclusion or being rendered invisible.
