ABSTRACT
Appearance represents the most controversial signifier of difference, usually referring to physiognomy or skin colour. Differences in physical appearance exist between most Germans born in the north German plain and most Turks born in Anatolia. Several basic differences clearly exist between European peoples which form the basis of ethnicity. Indigenous minorities almost represent a direct contrast to immigrants in the sense that they only become conscious of their difference when the dominant grouping, and its nationalist ideology, moves into their area. The various aspects of appearance play a tertiary role in determining ethnicity, when compared with the importance of language and religion. Localised minorities have a greater chance of maintaining their language than dispersed peoples due to their concentration and larger number. In Germany and Austria language has again represented the main basis of difference between the dominant populations and the minorities which survived into the post-War period.
