Sinkiang
Definition
Proper noun: - An autonomous region in northwestern China: Sinkiang (also commonly known as Xinjiang) is an administrative division of China. It is located in Central Asia and borders several countries, including Mongolia and Kazakhstan. It is noted for being the largest provincial-level division of China by area and is the traditional homeland of the Uighur people and other ethnic groups.
Usage Notes
- "Sinkiang" is a historical romanization of the region's name. In modern contexts, the official and more commonly used transliteration is Xinjiang. The full official name is the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
- It is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this geographic and political entity.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- Geopolitical Context: The term is often used in discussions of geopolitics, ethnic relations, human rights, and economic development in Central Asia.
- Historical Texts: "Sinkiang" frequently appears in historical documents and texts written before the late 20th century.
Variants and Related Words
- Xinjiang: The modern standard transliteration from Mandarin Chinese (新疆, Xīnjiāng).
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: The full official name.
- East Turkestan: A historical and political name used by some advocacy groups for the region, which is not officially recognized by the Chinese government.
Synonyms
- Xinjiang (primary modern synonym)
- Chinese Turkestan (historical term)
Related Terms and Phrases
- Uighur (Uygur): Referring to the Turkic ethnic group primarily associated with the region.
- Autonomous Region: Denoting its administrative status within China, which grants it a degree of self-governance.
Noun
-
an autonomous province in far northwestern China on the border with Mongolia and Kazakhstan; the largest province in the People's Republic of China and the homeland of the Uighur people