The term “Oriental” historically referred to the East or the Eastern world, specifically the regions of Asia, including the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. It has its roots in Latin and was first used in English during the 14th century to describe the regions to the east of Europe. The word “Oriental” is derived from the Latin word “Orientalis,” which means “eastern.”
For a long time, the term was used in a neutral manner to refer to cultures, people, or objects from these Eastern regions. However, over time, the word has acquired some problematic connotations, particularly in Western contexts, as it can be seen as Eurocentric and potentially perpetuating stereotypes or exoticizing the cultures it refers to.
Because of these connotations, the usage of “Oriental” has become less common in contemporary discourse, and many people now prefer more specific and culturally sensitive terms when referring to people, places, or objects from these regions.
For instance, it’s more appropriate to use terms like “Asian” or refer to the specific country or culture in question, rather than using the blanket term “Oriental.”