Re: Beijing, Zhongguo, etc.

> [mailto:CONLANG@listserv.brown.edu] On Behalf Of
caeruleancentaur

> http://www.nationalreview.com/nordlinger/nordlinger112002.asp
>
> In general, I agree with his sentiments.
I do only to a small degree, because I think native names give
an element of respect to the culture they represent.  I do
however agree they need to be anglicized phonologically. The
most annoying thing is when reporters in the US with hispanic
names that will code switch into Spanish when they say their
names (any MWC fans remember "Miranda Vera Cruz de la Jolla
Cardinal"?), trilled rhotics and all.  I remember years ago
seeing a skit on either SNL or a similar program where the
reporters actually did this for all names. One reporter named
something like "O'Brien" would say his name with a fake Irish
accent, and likewise for German names.  It brought up a good
point though because the hispanics are about the only ones doing
it.  It was good for a laugh, but I don't think the real
reporters realize just how ridiculous they sound sometimes.

I have to admit though I'm guilty of using some of the older
names for places.  I still say Bombay and Saigon even though
they were Mumbai and Ho Chi Minh City at the time I was there.
It's really just a habit because those names were used for so
long.

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