native of sri lanka crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the clue 'native of sri lanka crossword'. Find quick and accurate answers for all word lengths, along with detailed explanations and helpful tips to conquer your next puzzle!
Solutions for "native of sri lanka crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TAMIL: Refers to one of the two major ethnic groups of Sri Lanka, with a distinct language and culture.
9 Letters
SINHALESE: The largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka, making up the majority of the island's population.
CEYLONESE: An older term referring to a native or inhabitant of Ceylon, the former name for Sri Lanka until 1972.
More About "native of sri lanka crossword"
When a crossword clue asks for a "native of Sri Lanka," it often points to the island nation's rich ethnic diversity or its historical nomenclature. The most common answers revolve around its primary ethnic groups: the Sinhalese and the Tamils. The Sinhalese are the largest ethnic community, predominantly Buddhist, and have a long history on the island. The Tamils, on the other hand, are a significant minority, largely Hindu, with roots in both Sri Lanka and southern India.
Another frequently encountered answer, especially in older or historically-themed puzzles, is CEYLONESE. This term harks back to the period when Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon under British colonial rule, prior to its republican status and name change in 1972. Crossword setters often leverage such historical facts, making "CEYLONESE" a valid and common solution, particularly for nine-letter slots, alongside "SINHALESE".
Understanding these different facets of Sri Lankan identity and history is key to unlocking various crossword puzzles related to the region. Always consider the letter count and any intersecting letters you might have to narrow down the correct answer among these historically and culturally relevant terms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Historical Names: For clues about countries, especially island nations, remember their former names. Sri Lanka was Ceylon, which is a common crossword answer for "native."
- Think Ethnic Groups: If a clue points to a "native" of a country with diverse populations, consider major ethnic groups. For Sri Lanka, SINHALESE and TAMIL are prime candidates.
- Leverage Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer box is your most crucial hint. It helps you differentiate between similarly relevant terms like TAMIL (5 letters) versus SINHALESE or CEYLONESE (9 letters).
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Always use letters from already solved intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential answers. This is especially helpful when multiple answers have the same letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ethnic groups referred to by 'native of Sri Lanka' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'native of Sri Lanka' most commonly refers to the SINHALESE, who are the majority ethnic group, or the TAMIL, who are a significant minority group. Both are indigenous to the island.
Is CEYLONESE a valid answer for a 'native of Sri Lanka' crossword clue?
Yes, CEYLONESE is often a valid answer. It refers to someone from Ceylon, which was the name of Sri Lanka before it gained full independence and changed its name in 1972. Crossword setters frequently use older or historical terms.
How can I distinguish between multiple possible answers like SINHALESE and CEYLONESE?
To distinguish between multiple answers, always check the number of letters required by the crossword grid. Both SINHALESE and CEYLONESE are 9 letters long, so context from intersecting words is crucial. TAMIL is a 5-letter option. If no intersecting letters are available, consider commonality; SINHALESE is more current than CEYLONESE in everyday usage, but both are common in crosswords.