Peking became Beijing in 1979, when a new system of transliteration from Mandarin to English was devised.
The name “Beijing” is supposed to be much closer to how the city’s name is pronounced in Mandarin than is Peking. The name of the city did not change, only the way it is spelled and pronounced in the western world. And this was done, I believe, at the request of the Chinese.
I can remember when “Chile” was pronounced “chili” in this country. Perhaps it’s part of a movement to pronounce names closer to the way natives do, and do away with anglicized pronunciations???
Me too, like a minute ago. How else do you pronounce it?
“I can remember when “Chile” was pronounced “chili” in this country. Perhaps it’s part of a movement to pronounce names closer to the way natives do, and do away with anglicized pronunciations???”
Well, I would like to agree with you, but I believe it is just PC BS.
I remember Peter Jennings making a big deal about pronouncing it “Nee-carrrrr-ah-gua” but never once saying “Roma,” “Hellas” (Greece), “Deitschland.”
All BS, in my opinion.;