Welcome to Language 101 (Destiny)

by Kermit , Raleigh, NC, Friday, July 10, 2015, 18:04 (3661 days ago) @ Funkmon

but we can't throw out English writing conventions for taste.

As an aisde, this is actually exactly what happens. When words form, or meanings change, it's never after intelligent debate and thoughtful consideration.

You're correct, but deeJ chose to use these words with consideration. He assuredly didn't type those words just due to habit. And as for taste, it's still not the primary motivator of language change. Usually it's due to mistakes, ease of pronunciation, and needs of the speakers. Things like changing names for places long attested almost always happen through huge political shifts, like the Norman Invasion.

I also maintain we keep these English conventions for a reason, to make sure people understand what he's saying. While most of us could figure out Rhein is Rhine, Köln to Cologne is a bit harder, and he probably confused readers by writing that. It took me a couple days myself in Germany to realize Köln was Cologne. It's just not a good idea for effective communication. If he wishes to effect change or bring about new knowledge in his readers, he should have offered a translation.

I'm not a prescriptivist. I am far from it. However, this kind of thing, with the deliberate use of foreign words in lieu of the common English ones at the expense of ease of communication, annoys me. He really should use them both if he really wants to use the German words when his job is to communicate, in my opinion.

I tend to agree with you except I read it as he was addressing the people who actually live in those places (many of whom speak English but still might appreciate the native place names). It struck me as a courtesy, like when Mick Jagger gives a shoutout to a local team mascot when he plays in your town.