Placenames, translated

[Devor]

I saw this on Facebook. The names on this map are a literal translation of the Chinese names for these countries.

I figure it's something to think about when you're trying to decide on a naming style for your locations. Even foreign countries can sometimes have names in your language.

 

[deilaitha]

I wonder how accurate this is...I take most social media postings with a grain of salt.

It is a good point though, since we frequently forget the fact that not all countries call themselves anything close to what we do. Something good to remember when considering your world-building and especially when there is a lingua franca at play.

 

[skip.knox]

On a more practical note, Wikipedia is pretty good about providing old and alternative placenames. I've made extensive use of this in my Altearth.

 

[CupofJoe]

Russia must be very proud that they are the only country name to survive...

 

[deilaitha]

Russia must be very proud that they are the only country name to survive...

Well, maybe that's what all the Sino-Russian wars were really about.

 

[Abbas-Al-Morim]

I bloody hate these maps. Because every time I want to read what it says about Belgium I can't cause it's so damn small!

 

[DassaultMirage]

With the status of economics in Italy now, big profit is just wrong xD

 

[Ayaka Di'rutia]

I don't do a lot of alternate names based on race or region in my fantasy writing; I'm afraid it would get too complicated for my liking. Fortunately, I don't have to use alternate names often unless I'm exploring a certain culture, and even then it doesn't come up much. Most people call the world as it's generally known to the reader, as well as the different countries and places; it keeps names simple, even if it isn't as realistic as it would be for our world.