What's in a Name?

[mawnansmiff]

From the start of the chapter on America, taken from Peter Heylyn's 'Mikrokosmos' ( subtitled 'A Little Description Of The Great World') of 1625 we have this early description of America and more particularly of the naming of the place.

I've transcribed it exactly as written with all spelling etc as it appears in the book. Bear in mind, the book was written in what is known as 'Early Modern English' and oftentimes the letters u and v are transposed. Also, the letter i stands in for the letter j. And of course the 'long s' was used so the word 'spaciousness' would look more like 'fpacioufneffe' but difficult to replicate here without the correct keyboard.

"This great tract of Land is most aptly called the NEW WORLD. New, for the late discouery; and World, for the vast spaciousness of it. The most vsuall, and yet somewhat improper name, is AMERICA, because Americus Vespuccius discouered it: but sithance Columbus gaue vs the first light to discerne these Countries, by both example and directions: and Sebastianus Cabot touched at many parts of the Continent which Americus never saw: why is it not aswell called Columbana, Sebastiana, or Cabotia?

The most improper name of all, yet most vsual among Marriners, is the WESTERNE INDIES: Westerne because of the West situation; and India, because by that one name they expresse all wealthie (if remote) countries.

Many are of an opinion, and that grounded on coniecturall probabilities, then demonstratiue arguments; that this AMERICA was knowne long before our late discoueries. Their first reason is drawne from the doctrine of the Antipodes, which being among ancient Philosophers, cannot but inferre a knowledge of these parts: to which we answere, that there was indeed a knowledge of the Antipodes by demonstratio[n] only; but not in fact: or if you will, we will say that it was known there were Antipodes; but the Antipodes were not known. Secondly, they say that Hanno, a Carthaginian Captaine, discouered a great Iland: but he (saith Mela) sailed not Westward, but Southward, and lighted on a great Iland, which whatsoever it was (perhaps Madagascar) sure I am it was not America, and returned home, wanting not (as he told the Senate) Sea-Room…."

So guys, if not America, which would you prefer, Columbana, Sebastiana or Cabotia?

Regards,

Jay.

 

[Grangerous]

Interesting read. I really like Vespuccius’ first name “Americus” and I am surprised it’s not a popular name today.

I’ll go with Columbana. District of Columbana. Lol

Fun post

 

[mikethompson]

Columbana sounds like a night club.

I'm partial to Cabotia myself. Although it doesn't have the same ring to it.

 

[warren]

Sven or, if some proof can be found, Brendanville. Old Chris appears to have has the better PR firm.

 

[mawnansmiff]

I'm with you there Mike, I'd choose Cabotia myself out of the 3 but being a Brit I get no say in the matter

Warren, don't tell me, St. Brendan sailed there in a coracle hewn from the finest Irish granite

Regards,

Jay.

 

[mso489]

The Americas refers to North, South, and Central America, and America alone, precisely, refers to Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico. Canadians and Mexicans are Americans, although that is not always the way citizens of the U.S.A. use the word. Of course, the discovery of America was entirely from the European point of view. Thousands of years before the Europeans, it seems Asian people discovered America and became indigenous nations. Maybe the American continents should be named after some Asian explorer who got here first, if his or her name were known. Or maybe an indigenous name should be applied, like the names of so many cities and states in the U.S., like Illinois, Ohio, Cincinnati, Idaho, Michigan, Alabama, Minnesota, Dakota, Chicago, Delaware, and so on.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Columbana, Sebastiana or Cabotia?

Add "Captain" to any of those and its sounds like a super hero whose arch-enemy is a yeast infection.

 

[smokeymo]

The Americas refers to North, South, and Central America, and America alone, precisely, refers to Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico. Canadians and Mexicans are Americans, although that is not always the way citizens of the U.S.A. use the word. Of course, the discovery of America was entirely from the European point of view. Thousands of years before the Europeans, it seems Asian people discovered America and became indigenous nations. Maybe the American continents should be named after some Asian explorer who got here first, if his or her name were known. Or maybe an indigenous name should be applied, like the names of so many cities and states in the U.S., like Illinois, Ohio, Cincinnati, Idaho, Michigan, Alabama, Minnesota, Dakota, Chicago, Delaware, and so on.

Everyone in the world refers to US Citizens as Americans. Not just us in the States.

America, for all intents and purposes, means USA when speaking about a country of origin. Nobody refers to their place of origin by continent.
Example: ask an Indian person where they are from. I'll bet you $100 they don't say Asia. Just like if you ask a Mexican, they won't say "America"
Anyone who complains that "Canadians are Americans too" are simply suffering from little brother syndrome. They are correct, but they know what people are referring to and just want to throw a tantrum for not being included.

 

[sablebrush52]

I don't care what name you pick as long as it isn't Johnson.

And to be honest, the first person to cross the Aleutian land bridge was named Og, so the country should be name after him.

 

[jpmcwjr]

"My name is Raymond J. Johnson Jr. Now you can call me Ray, or you can call me J, or you can call me Johnny, or you can call me Sonny, or you can call me Junie, or you can call me Junior; now you can call me Ray J, or you can call me RJ, or you can call me RJJ, or you can call me RJJ Jr. . .but you doesn't hasta call me Johnson!"

 

[mawnansmiff]

Looks like this thread has already gone a bit astray....not what was intended, I posted it partly to inform and partly to amuse.

Oh well, happy new year guys and let's hope that 2022 proves to be a better year for one and all.

Regards,

Jay.

 

[mikethompson]

Looks like this thread has already gone a bit astray

Come now Jay, you knew it would when you posted right?