Posted on 10/11/2010 7:37:34 PM PDT by PJ-Comix
I always call Indians Indians because of the term’s historical context. Everyone knows they are not from India.
Hmmm, you may be right but never heard of that. So Columbus did not think he'd reached India when he made landfall?
Okay, I cannot find the specific book right now. In my years in university, I heard both versions with proof for both accounts. Since we were not alive at the time, who knows which version is correct.
Oh, he thought he reached some islands off the coast of India alright, but there is some dispute as to whether “Indian” in the American sense came from the Spanish word for the Indies or whether it came from a corruption of “Pueblo en Dios”.
Well, one reason to celebrate Columbus Day is because without the explorers, we’d still be subjects in Europe. OK, if it wasn’t for Columbus, it could have been somebody else who opened up the New World around 1500 or so, but in our timeline and history, it is Christopher Columbus. We have too many dolts in the world.
I’d love it if it were true. It makes sense when you hear it. But in all my years of speaking Spanish I never put that together. I’d be interested in seeing it if you locate the book. Thanks.
EXTRA! EXTRA!!! NUTBAG COMMIE CONGRESSMAN ALAN GRAYSON SIGNS UP AND POSTS AT THE DUmp AND BEGS FOR MONEY!!!
This could be good!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9299138
I’ll continue to look for it. It sticks in my mind because I had learned from kindergarten on to high school that American Indians were called “Indians” because the word was derived from the Spanish word for the Indies. Then, I get to university and hear an alternate version.
Here we go:
First of off, the supposed phrase is “una gente en Dios” (my mistake for a not remembering it correctly). Secondly, skimming through Columbus’ diaries for the period, I see no mention of this phrase. So, this particular word origin theory appears highly suspect to me and likely wrong.
Bummer. It sounded good—very plausible.
I remember reading some of Columbus’ diaries back when I was in college. Does he call them Indios right from the start? Or does he use some other term?
I recall that he made first reference to the land and references to the inhabitants of the islands came a bit later.
Well, that is why we come here - to have fun and learn.
According to the Straight Dope, they were using the term Indie from the get-go:
Columbus carried with him a passport from Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, written in Latin and dispatching him “toward the regions of India” (ab partes Indie) on their behalf.
... The original manuscript has not survived, but a printed copy made shortly after its receipt has. In the first paragraph Columbus says “In 33 days I passed from the Canary Islands to the Indies” (en 33 días pasé de las islas de Canaria a las Indias). His first reference to the inhabitants comes in the second paragraph: “To the first [island] which I found I gave the name San Salvador . . . the Indians call it Guanahaní” (A la primera que yo hallé puse nombre San Salvador . . . los Indios la llaman Guanahaní). In all he makes six references to India or the Indies, and four to Indios. Nowhere in the letter does he use a phrase resembling una gente in Dios.
It seems this “una gente en Dios” is sometimes taught in Indian schools, to boost tribal identity and pride. “We’re not called Indians by mistake. We’re called that because our people were so good and godlike.” Something along those lines, I imagine.
Thanks. I recall his description of the land coming first, but I did not know about the passport. Good to know.
The Indians I know would prefer to be called a playoff team, but it hasn’t worked out that way lately....
The DUmmies are just $10 away from Democrats retaing control of the House!
[Except to the Indians themselves. What they really hate is the PC term, "Native Americans."]
That is one thing for sure, they hate being referred to as Native Americans. FWIW, DUmmies have very small minds to worry about stuff like this on a regular basis.
Then you're not making it right. I haven't made any in years, but done right, it's delish.
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