We Are the Romani People: Volume 28 (Interface Collection) | 
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| Editorial Review / Publisher's Information:
Product Description
The author, who is himself a Romani, speaks directly to the gadze (non-Gypsy) reader about his people, their history since leaving India one thousand years ago and their rejection and exclusion from society in the countries where they settled, their health, food, culture and society. He offers candid frank advice on rejecting prejudices and stereotypes and getting to know Roma as individuals. He describes the development of Roma identity and politics, gives short biographies of prominent Roma in many different walks of life, describes the Romani language and illustrates it with proverbs providing an insight into Roma thought and belief. It is extensively illustrated and provides a rare inside view into the life and society of the Roma people. This book is published in association with OSI, New York, a charitable foundation whose aims include supporting equality of opportunity for the Roma of Central and Eastern Europe.
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Customer Reviews:
• Hancock Is A Good Example That Phd's Do Not Matter 17 July, 2003
Anyway, I would like to tell you something else. I just received my papers. I hope you remember my and your comments about Hancock's "Romaivi." I will use Latin letters here for the sake of legibility. To refresh your memory, according to Hancock, the Byzantines called themselves "Romaivi" - which is absurd. The ancient Greek "Romaioi" (pronounced [ro'ma'yo'i], today [ro'me'i]) is the plural of Romaios ([ro'ma'yos], today [ro'me'os]) which means "a male Roman person" and comes from the Greek (or Hellenic, if you prefer) word for Rome - "Roma." The Byzantines called themselves Romans - that is, "Romaioi" and not "Romaivi." To distinguish between Romans and Byzantines, in Modern Greek the word "latinikos" (Latin) is broadly used to define "Roman" as an adjective. I am all too well aware of everything you commented about the origin of the word "Rumelia" and do not need to consult Dr. Erdinc or anyone about the matter. It indeed comes from those "Romaios" and "Roma" - not from "Romaivi" or any such nonsense of a word. The invented word "Romaivi" cited by Hancock, like the many other mistakes he makes in an attempt to show knowledge in everything, ruins his otherwise very informative and interesting book, thus (maybe undeservedly) casting a shadow of doubt on the other more "central" points that he makes. Therefore, I would suggest to you in good faith not to use this edition of his book or use it only with extreme caution. That is the point I wanted to make.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A15AYFRMBYCQFT
• A Good Introduction To Gypsies 101 03 June, 2005
Likely Gypsies are one race that has been stereotype, maybe often without real thought. Such as the "stolen by the Gypsies..." I often heard that when I was growing up, but never stopped to see it for what it is - a perpetuating of a myth. Well, this book gives you a good start at shattering these pre-set images that are connected to the Gypsies. Written by a man of Gypsy blood, he set out to break these prejudices. He gears this book for schoolteachers, social workers, physicians or other walks of life that comes in contact daily with those of Gypsy origins, with eye to making you see them as the diverse people they are. He gives you a light introduction to Gypsy life and customs, challenges the narrow minds and misconceptions, replacing them with clear-cut, well written
information designed to enlighten and foster tolerance between the Romani and the gadze.
As one who adores my Scottish heritage, I have a great interest in the lore and ethnic heritage of different races. This book does a lot to answer questions and get you started on the road to leaning more about the Romani people.
Very interesting reading.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A3GQKB1KF0CRPE
• Excellent 25 August, 2008
Really great reading. I wanted to learn more about my husband's culture and this was definitely an eye- opener!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2WHLH7Q2B87H3
• Superb 07 October, 2006
This modest 180-page book offers a tremendous introduction to the Romani people, for any and all of Rom descent, as well as those who are simply sympathetic observers.
Published by the University of Hertfordshire in Britain, the book adds to the Interface Collection (published in 12 languages), developed by the Centre for Gypsy Research at Paris' Universite Rene Descartes, with support from other European organizations.
In addition to a brief introduction, the volume includes 14 chapters covering everything from the history of the Rom people and their 500-year enslavement in the heart of Europe to the bigoted reactions of Europeans, the Rom experience during the Holocaust and current-day anti-Rom hatred.
The book also discuses the Rom people's origins in the Indian subcontinent (from which they were transported as slaves by the Muslim conquerors), Rom cuisine and health practices, contributions of famed Roma (including guitarist Django Reinhardt, actress Rita Hayworth and actor Freddie Prinze) and the Rom language.
Also included are an impressive appendix, with a brief explanation of Romani grammar, a bibliography of recommended Internet, printed and organizational sources, a listing of the author's more than 150 references and a complete index.
One of the most useful and enlightening of the educational chapters is that on appropriate interactions with Romani people. It's well past time that scholars addressed the almost universally held (and highly unacceptable) attitudes towards the Rom, and provided remedies.
All in all, this is a superb book.
--Alyssa A. Lappen
- Reviewed by customer ID: ATDE9JYCPI0L1
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