I am doing research on cross-ethnic relations and ethnic identity. I am curious to learn peoples' ethnicities.

Question

..but I do not wish to offend.

What/ How is polite way to ask people about ethnic group membership?

Thanks

Because of my research interest, I am curious about people even when I meet them.
So, really my question pertains to polite way to ask people on the street/new acquaintances, etc.

sorry for not specifying earlier

kea, funny how you assume things

Answer 1

Maybe say, "I am doing research on ethnic identity. Would you mind if I ask you a few questions regarding the topic? [If they say yes] Do you mind me asking, what is your particular ethnic group?" Then follow with more questions. I think if you lead up with letting the person know that this is for research that most people with be open with those types of questions.

Answer 2

educate yourself on other cultures, learn to identify physical markers of people from different countries. Begin to learn the difference in appearances other than skin, different countries of the same race have different physical traits. Then just ask "where are you from?" when they answer be genuinely interested with intelligent questions or facts (if you know them such as where the place is, what it's famous for, popular sports in that country, etc.) If they don't answer you could make an educated guess but be sure to be ready to back up your answers with legitimate reasons, not the color of one's skin. Things like the way they pronounce certain words, the sound of their own language (if you heard the person speaking in their native language). I assume you're white so what you have to understand is when someone asks us where we are from, we get defensive because we have been ridiculed in the past or feel you may be asking just to make negative comments about where we are from. We identify ourselves with our native country and really don't use words like cross ethnic or ethnic identity. Well not that I can ever recall other than in government forms or for statistical purposes. So in other words, ask us like someone in another country would ask you. Where are you from?

Answer 3

Just say your doing a study and you were wondering if they wouldn't mind sharing their ethnicity or background. Doesn't get any more polite than that.

Answer 4

well i'm white, i'm german, scottish, irish, english, dutch, puerto rican (white spanish) and french,
100% American