Re: CHAT: silly names, prepositions

In a message dated 3/22/01 5:51:58 AM, christophe.grandsire@FREE.FR writes:

<< Moreover, English is the

language not only of the USA, but also of other countries (including the

motherland of English), which may want to make a distinction between Usonians

and Americans. >>

I speak American English; always have, always will.

<<What do you think

would happen if French people decided that they wanted to be called
"Européens"

in French, excluding all the other European countries of this designation, or
at

least putting an ambiguity where there was no need to be?>>

Your anaology is flawed.  France is called "France", not the United States of
Europe.  Why would they want to be "Européens"?  Have they no pride?  If you
honestly think people in the U.S. are going to call themselves "Usonians",
I'm afraid you just don't know this country well.  First off, people would
point out that it's a horrible bastardization, taking the name from the
Esperanto word for the U.S.A., the U.S.N., and it wouldn't make any sense.
Moreover, when anyone DID get wind of its Esperanta origin, that would be the
end of it right there, because, as far as most Americans are concerned (U.S.
Americans), Esperanto is Commy-Nazi Pinko plot to take over the world and rob
us of our right to own guns, etc.  Anyway, my point is, if we don't call
ourselves Americans, we've got nothing else.  EVERY SINGLE OTHER COUNTRY IN
NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA HAS SOMETHING ELSE TO CALL THEMSELVES.  Can't you
just give us "Americans"?

-Jenesis

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