kohalikud

Kohalikud is the Estonian term for residents or inhabitants of a particular locality. It denotes people who live in a city, town, village, or district and share a geographic connection to that place. The term is neutral and commonly used in journalism, sociology, geography, and local administration to refer to the population of the area in question.

Etymology and form: The word kohalikud is the plural noun form of kohalik, meaning local. In everyday use, it often appears in phrases such as kohalikud elanikud or kohalik kogukond to specify residents or the local community.

Usage and context: In academic and policy contexts, kohalikud describe the resident perspective and social networks of the locality. Local governments and organizations may engage with kohalikud when planning public services, infrastructure, or cultural initiatives. The term is typically used without implying authority or superiority and can be contrasted with outsiders, such as tourists, migrants, or visitors, to emphasize local context.

See also: kohalik omavalitsus; elanik; kogukond.