I guess it makes sense for them to correct you if you're speaking *in Spanish* and say, "Soy americano," if a nationality is genuinely is not what that word means, given that there is an alternative. But for those who reject the English word, "American," I always wonder, what do they expect us to call ourselves instead? Should we say, "United States of American?" That's just clunky. Should we go back to calling ourselves "Yankees"? Everyone will think we're talking about a sports team.
I’ve heard the correction in Spanish dozens of times but not really in English. I sort of wonder whether this whole thing is sorta imported from Spanish discourse to English.
My favorite way to sidestep this issue is to say something along the lines of "soy de los estados unidos," i.e. say that I'm from the United States rather than USian or American (usually to be followed by where in the US I am from). That way, I don't cede the argument over the correct demonym (I agree with you, it's obviously American/americano) but don't cause a diplomatic incident every time I interact with someone in Latin America.
Good question - the honest answer is, I don't know! I do know that's a sensitive topic and I'm sure there's a lot of complicated history and national identity tied up in it, so I don't want to speak out of my ass when I haven't studied it closely.
I guess it makes sense for them to correct you if you're speaking *in Spanish* and say, "Soy americano," if a nationality is genuinely is not what that word means, given that there is an alternative. But for those who reject the English word, "American," I always wonder, what do they expect us to call ourselves instead? Should we say, "United States of American?" That's just clunky. Should we go back to calling ourselves "Yankees"? Everyone will think we're talking about a sports team.
I’ve heard the correction in Spanish dozens of times but not really in English. I sort of wonder whether this whole thing is sorta imported from Spanish discourse to English.
“United Statesian” is itself ambiguous, since technically Mexico is “Estados Unidos Mexicanos”.
This is the first time I’ve ever really thought about why latin-Americans insist upon us rejecting American in favor of something else.
Good article
My favorite way to sidestep this issue is to say something along the lines of "soy de los estados unidos," i.e. say that I'm from the United States rather than USian or American (usually to be followed by where in the US I am from). That way, I don't cede the argument over the correct demonym (I agree with you, it's obviously American/americano) but don't cause a diplomatic incident every time I interact with someone in Latin America.
I was wondering if you had any thoughts on something somewhat related: what exactly is Macedonia and who does the name „belong“ to?
Good question - the honest answer is, I don't know! I do know that's a sensitive topic and I'm sure there's a lot of complicated history and national identity tied up in it, so I don't want to speak out of my ass when I haven't studied it closely.