Exploring Endonyms and Exonyms: Why Countries Have Different Names in Their Own Languages
By
Olivia Thayer, M.A.
Pulled from the oven just right. Trustworthy, fact-dense, deeply satisfying.
Summary
The article explores the concept of endonyms and exonyms, explaining how many countries, regions, and cities have names that differ significantly from what they call themselves in their own languages. It delves into the origins of these names and their usage, providing insights into linguistic and cultural diversity.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledMany of the words we have for countries, regions, cities, languages, and ethnic groups sound nothing like what they call themselves.
Some differences aren’t that big, but others are quite surprising.
Where did these names come from, and who uses which?
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