24 | Training handbook . Statelessness 1. Introduction 2. Guidance 3. Legal context (...) 4.2 Terminology related to statelessness Establishing the terminology that applies, who it refers to, and what it means is essential. A COI researcher should be aware of the context in which terminology is used because it can be used inconsistently in different contexts. Terms that are pertinent may be spoken in a language used in the nation of habitual residence. Furthermore, this could refer to terms that convey statelessness in a general sense or terms with extremely specific meanings pertaining to the status of particular stateless groups in a particular geographic area, with (or without) specific documentation and with (or without) specific types of official recognition. Understanding these terms is essential for discussing and addressing the complex issue of statelessness, as it helps to clarify the legal, social, and political contexts in which stateless persons find themselves. For example, the term "stateless person" may have different equivalents or interpretations in various languages, which could impact the way information is collected, analysed, and presented. Additionally, some countries may have unique terms or concepts related to nationality and citizenship that do not have direct translations or equivalents in English or other languages. 4. Research strategy 5. Appendices In the Arabic language, for instance, the term "stateless person" could be translated as: ‫ اجنبي‬Ajnabi [ajnabiya = female; ajanib = plural] Literally ‘Foreigner’ in Arabic; ajanib al-Hassaka are a category of stateless Kurds from Hassaka Governorate in north-eastern Syria who are included in the official registries, but have been deprived of many rights.35 ‫( بدون جنسية‬Bidun Jinsiya): Meaning "without nationality," this term might be used more broadly to describe individuals who lack identification documents, regardless of their nationality status. ‫( مقيم بال جنسية‬Muqeem Bila Jinsiya): This term translates to "resident without nationality" and can be used to describe stateless persons living in a country where they are not recognised as citizens. ‫ ( مكتوم القيد‬Maktum Alqayd): This term means undocumented or unregistered, it is used to describe individuals without identity documents or legal existence regardless of their nationality. ‫( الجئ‬Laji'): This term means 'refugee' and might be used to refer to both refugees and stateless persons, even though they are distinct legal categories. Understanding these linguistic variations and nuances is essential for COI researchers working on statelessness, as it enables them to accurately interpret and communicate information in different languages and contexts. It also helps them recognise potential inconsistencies or misunderstandings that may arise when working with sources or stakeholders from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. 35. The Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion (ISI) and the European Network on Statelessness (ENS), From Syria to Europe: Experiences of Stateless Kurds and Palestinian Refugees from Syria Seeking Protection in Europe, see p.9, January 2019 © Asylos, 2023 Back to contents