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indigène

native

noun adjective een-dee-ZHEN Rare
People & Society Community

Origin: Latin indigena (born in a place)

Also means

indigenous person

Usage Note

indigène can function as both a noun and an adjective (les populations indigènes — the indigenous populations). Historically it carried colonial overtones in French — the Code de l'indigénat was a discriminatory legal system in French colonies. Today autochtone or peuples premiers are often preferred in sensitive contexts.

Examples

"Les populations indigènes protègent leurs terres."

Natural Translation

The indigenous populations protect their lands.

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