Genesis and Ethnogenesis, or How Historiographical Metaphors Determine Historical Thinking

Abstract

The main purpose of this essay is to examine the role of two metaphors, genesis and ethnogenesis, in the creation of historical discourses. Although frequently used in historiographic narratives these two are seldom defined. In spite of this fact both have an important influence in creating historical thinking. Historical metaphors like genesis and ethnogenesis are able to determine the character of any given historical phenomenon and frequently even establish its shape.