Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, teachers!

How would you explain the difference in meaning between patriotism and nationalism? I understand patriotism has positive connotaion, while nationalism has negative one. However, I'm not sure if that's all.


Thank you


yoshi-pooh

[Anuradha Chepur]

Straight from the dictionary:

patriotism: Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it

nationalism:

1. Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it
2. The doctrine that your national culture and interests are superior to any other
3. The aspiration for national independence felt by people under foreign domination
4. The doctrine that nations should act independently (rather than collectively) to attain their goals

You are right, definiton 2 (and 4) are negative connotations. But as you can see, definiton 1 and 3 are positive connotations.