Noticed Glen Beck repeatedly calling it “THE Ukraine” and went hoarse screaming at the TV...maybe next time I’ll try like email or something.
The Netherlands.
The Philippines.
The Congo.
Argentinians call their country “La Argentina.”
THE Peoples Republic Of Kalifornia (New York, etc.)
Right on the money. My fiancé is Ukrainian. People need to understand that partition was a generation ago. Ukrainians self identify as Ukrainian not Russo-Ukrainian or other garbage descriptions.
“Comments?”
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My only comment is that you are absolutely correct.
The Bronx.
Russians call it “the Ukraine” except.....there is no definite article in Russian.
Ikraine
Ukraine
He/she/itkraines
Wekraine
Theykraine
And then there’s my favorite actress, Jeannekraine...
(Yes, I’m just kidding; if it’s any consolation I’m trying to break myself of the “The Ukraine” habit, but it’s about as hard on the old brain as, well, not calling the place above Ukraine “the Soviet Union,” or referring to Saigon as “Ho Chi Minh City”)
There are also “Ukrainians” who have been in Kiev for many generations, who are Kievan Rus... ie they speak and have always spoken russian, and ukrainian was at best a second language. They are also Orthodox and not Catholic, that still does not mean they were ever pro russian.
Before the communists came, both my grandfather and grandmother came from families that spoke russian and french at home. During World War II, my grandparents and father managed to escape westward, the rest of the family stayed behind. Some eventually moved to Riga, but since the fall of communism they are no longer welcome there.
This is your concern? Really!
Don’t forget about The Gambia.
Many go to hospital. I go to the hospital
The South, yankee.
you are right
but somehow the “the” became used frequently enough in “our world” (for many years) that using it became common practice to many people here
I have, on my own, tried recently to be sure and NOT say “the Ukraine” but just “Ukraine”
glad you are remininding everyone
In the late 1950s, refugees from the Ukraine arrived in my city. Their children went to school with us. They ALWAYS referred to THE UKRAINE. It is not that different than when I refer to the United States.
Since the Soviet Union (formerly known as Russia), is still trying to reincorporate the Ukraine into its borders, the citizens of Ukraine ought to be rightfully fearful.
When in Ukraine visit Chernobyl.
The United States of America vs. United States of America vs. United States vs USA vs US vs America?
Your thoughts??
I personally don’t really care that much in one abbreviation or different way of saying our nation’s name or not.
My only complaint is the default Russian pronunciation of Kiev the world seems to use. It is pronounced KEEV with a slight dip on the second E.
