The Roma History & Background Quiz!

1. True or False: Romani people were victims of Nazi genocide.

True

False

During World War II, the Nazis embarked on systematic attempt at genocide of the Romani, known as the “Porajmos” (meaning “devouring” in Romani language). They were marked for extermination and sentenced to forced labor and imprisonment in concentration camps. They were often killed on sight on the Eastern Front.

Explanation

During World War II, the Nazis embarked on systematic attempt at genocide of the Romani, known as the “Porajmos” (meaning “devouring” in Romani language). They were marked for extermination and sentenced to forced labor and imprisonment in concentration camps. They were often killed on sight on the Eastern Front.

2. Is the term "Gypsy" considered politically correct?

Yes

No

The word "Gypsy" is commonly used as a reference to lifestyle or fashion and should not be used in reference of the Romani ethnicity.

Explanation

The word "Gypsy" is commonly used as a reference to lifestyle or fashion and should not be used in reference of the Romani ethnicity.

3. Where did the Romani people originate?

Italy

Spain

India

Romania

Africa

Linguistic and genetic evidence indicates the Romani originated from the Indian subcontinent, emigrating from India towards the northwest no earlier than the 11th century. The emigration from India likely took place in the context of raids by Mahmud of Ghazni. Romani soldiers were defeated and moved west with their families.

Explanation

Linguistic and genetic evidence indicates the Romani originated from the Indian subcontinent, emigrating from India towards the northwest no earlier than the 11th century. The emigration from India likely took place in the context of raids by Mahmud of Ghazni. Romani soldiers were defeated and moved west with their families.

4. Which legislation has been placed on Romani in the past?

Ban on immigration

Forced strerilization

Ban on language and music

Enslavement

All of the above

Throughout history, since the arrival of Romani in Europe, all of the above legislations have been passed against them.

Explanation

Throughout history, since the arrival of Romani in Europe, all of the above legislations have been passed against them.

5. Approximately how many Romani people were killed in the Holocaust?

None

100,000

200,000

500,000

The total number of victims has been estimated to be 500,000 to as much as 1.5 million.

Explanation

The total number of victims has been estimated to be 500,000 to as much as 1.5 million.

6. Where did the first written evidence of Romani people in Europe occur?

Finland

Romania

England

Greece

In 1054, foreigners called “Atsiganoi" were aided then called upon to rid forests of the wild animals which were killing the Emperor’s (Constatine IX) lifestock, but, when his favorite hound died, they were accused of poisoning it.

Explanation

In 1054, foreigners called “Atsiganoi" were aided then called upon to rid forests of the wild animals which were killing the Emperor’s (Constatine IX) lifestock, but, when his favorite hound died, they were accused of poisoning it.

7. Romani social behaviors are strictly regulated by what religious influence?

Hinduism

Christianity

Islam

Catholicism

Romani social behavior is strictly regulated by Hindu purity laws, still respected by most Roma.

Explanation

Romani social behavior is strictly regulated by Hindu purity laws, still respected by most Roma.

8. How many Romani people live throughout the world?

1 million

5 million

10 million

15 million

There is no official or reliable count of the Romani populations worldwide. Many Roma for a variety of reasons choose not to register their ethnic identity in official censuses. Roma organizations have provided a high estimation of over 15 million.

Explanation

There is no official or reliable count of the Romani populations worldwide. Many Roma for a variety of reasons choose not to register their ethnic identity in official censuses. Roma organizations have provided a high estimation of over 15 million.

9. How many branches of Romani people are there?

3

5

8

12

The Romani people recognize divisions among themselves based in part on territorial, cultural and dialectal differences and self-designation.
The main branches are:
1. Roma, in Eastern and Central Europe
2. Iberian Kale, mostly in Spain, but also in Portugal, Southern France and Latin America;
3. Finnish Kale, in Finland and Sweden
4. Welsh Kale, in Wales
5. Romanichal, in the United Kingdom, emigrated also to the United States and Australia;
6. Sinti, in German-speaking areas of Central Europe and some neighboring countries
7. Manush, in French-speaking areas of Central Europe
8. Romanisæl, in Sweden and Norway

Explanation

The Romani people recognize divisions among themselves based in part on territorial, cultural and dialectal differences and self-designation.
The main branches are:
1. Roma, in Eastern and Central Europe
2. Iberian Kale, mostly in Spain, but also in Portugal, Southern France and Latin America;
3. Finnish Kale, in Finland and Sweden
4. Welsh Kale, in Wales
5. Romanichal, in the United Kingdom, emigrated also to the United States and Australia;
6. Sinti, in German-speaking areas of Central Europe and some neighboring countries
7. Manush, in French-speaking areas of Central Europe
8. Romanisæl, in Sweden and Norway

10. How many Roma people live in Ukraine?

60,000

130,000

280,000

400,000

A 2006 report by The Initiative Group (Kyiv, Ukraine), "Roma in Ukraine", estimates more than 400,000 Roma living in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian census shows only 47,600 - the same as in 1990 - 2005.

Explanation

A 2006 report by The Initiative Group (Kyiv, Ukraine), "Roma in Ukraine", estimates more than 400,000 Roma living in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian census shows only 47,600 - the same as in 1990 - 2005.