The dictionary says:
Veil:
1. a piece of opaque or transparent material worn over the face for concealment, for protection from the elements, or to enhance the appearance.
2. a piece of material worn so as to fall over the head and shoulders on each side of the face, forming a part of the headdress of a nun.
Hijab is an Arabic word, and most commonly refers to:
a. Proper Islamic dress
b. The scarf which a woman covers her hair with
Niqaab is a scarf worn over the face.
Isn't it a bit misleading of English language publications to call the scarf which women wear over the hair a "veil," when actually it is a headscarf?
I'm not necessarily advocating using "hijab" in English, as I'm generally annoyed by the use of non-English words in casual English conversation, but "veil" is just not correct.
(And if you don't know what I'm talking about, pick up Time or Newsweek - they always say "veil")
2007-05-01 10:25:23 · 9 answers · asked by nomadic 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm asking because I find it confusing, mind you - to me, veil means covering the face, which is MUCH more extreme than covering the hair, if you ask me.
2007-05-01 10:31:58 · update #1
While I agree that it is misleading, the second meaning for veil, that which a nun wears, is very close what a hijab is in form, function, and religious purpose.
The problem is that headdress has its own connotations in English, usually referring to an ornate something worn on the head rather than just a scarf.
A scarf, on the other hand, has its own English connotations as well and, in this case, refers to a piece of fabric which is put over the top of the head and tied under the chin or under the hair at the back of the head. It has a primarily secular purpose.
By the way, if you are unfamiliar with the nun's "veil" check out the Wikipedia photo, below.
2007-05-01 10:32:35 · answer #1 · answered by Dave P 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no English word which would appropriately describe hijab. Since the majority of English speaking people are probably unfamiliar with what it means, they used the word which is closest to a description. Veil can mean a covering which hides something from being seen.
2007-05-01 10:41:07 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because they're writing in English, and the assumption would be the average reader doesn't know-- nor care about-- the subtle differences. Get over it.
2007-05-01 10:31:05 · answer #3 · answered by link955 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If your correct it is pure ignorance on their part.
Your right when referring to a Hijab they should call it a head dress.
I am not Muslim and even I know that.
2007-05-01 10:30:31 · answer #4 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Whoever wrote the books decided. We know what it refers to, at least, despite the misnomer.
2007-05-01 10:30:45 · answer #5 · answered by Elerth Morrow ™ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Would you prefer heinous female garment that sets the woman’s movement back 200 years? I don’t care if women wear it because it’s a part of their faith or not…the only reason it is acceptable in their minds is because they have been brainwashed by culture since birth to believe that it is honoring to God and their husband to wear it. Any husband that is so jealous he needs his wife to cover her face so that other men cannot see her is sick. Any country that will kill a woman because she isn’t covered properly is also seriously F-ed up.
2007-05-01 10:42:25 · answer #6 · answered by stakekawa 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋
A laymen needs to have a basic idea only. They dont really want to dig historical significance of a certain matter.
But thanks for this knowledge.
2007-05-01 10:29:30 · answer #7 · answered by ManhattanGirl 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You you prefer "Item of female opposition justified by tradition not sacred text?"
I would.
2007-05-01 10:30:30 · answer #8 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Please excuse my ignorance on Middle Eastern garb. I will make it a top priority not to duplicate my mistake.
2007-05-01 10:29:23 · answer #9 · answered by Uncle Meat 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋