Why do we put definite articles before the names of those countries? And why sometimes but not always?
2006-09-05 07:46:00 · 4 answers · asked by XYZ 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Ukrainians find it offensive to say "the Ukraine". They prefer it to be called just "Ukraine". The use of "the" before Ukraine is actually a Russian practice back in the days of the Soviet Union in order to make Ukraine sound more like a natural region and not like a separate nation. It was a way to keep the Ukrainians subjugated under the Russian thumb. So do NOT say "the" Ukraine, it is just Ukraine now. "The" in front of Lebanon and Gambia are extremely rare usages and are a way to make the countries sound more like a natural region than nations in their own right. Gambia and Lebanon should NOT be said with "the" in front just as Ukraine should not be.
2006-09-05 09:28:08 · answer #1 · answered by Taivo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's usually a relationship with the language spoken in that country and how grammar dictates usage. I don't speak Ukranian, but I know in French we might say France or La France......depending on how you're using the name of the country...so part of it may be linguistic: The most direct English translation of the name. I don't know how to explain the rules too well but I know that I say La France but I've never said El España......
Part of it too may be that the name is also a region. The Ukraine might also be like saying "The appalachians or the alps" in their language.....
2006-09-05 15:24:49 · answer #2 · answered by loboconqueso 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For The Gambia, it's so people can avoid confusion with Zambia. I don't know about the others.
2006-09-05 15:02:17 · answer #3 · answered by ichliebekira 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Taivo, you're right speaking about spelling the name of my country - Ukraine.
2006-09-06 08:53:49 · answer #4 · answered by Alex B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋