S13: Exonyms
 
 

13. Arguments against & for abolition of exonyms

 


Arguments against abolition of exonyms:

  • Exonyms are part of national culture,

  • Exonyms reflect historical relationships,

  • Abolition of exonyms would lead to difficulties in pronunciation,

  • Abolition of exonyms leads to confusion in international traffic, safety problems.


Arguments for abolition of exonyms:

  • Keeping exonyms leads to confusion,

  • Use of exonyms delays identification of objects,

  • Why use incorrect/distorted names when correct ones are available,

  • Keeping to exonyms reflects reactionary, neo-colonialistic ideas,

  • Abolishing exonyms improves international communication.

 

 
Print this page
 

 

Copyright United Nations Statistics Division and International Cartographic Association, July 2012