[Aztlan] Latest Story on Apocalypto

[elin danien]

I think that the Maya/Mayan problem may have arisen because the interviews 
were carried out on the telephone, and people tend to hear what they want 
or expect to hear.  I'm sure that Bob Sharer referred to them as "Maya" but 
the reporter simply didn't understand the different meanings we ascribe to 
the two terms.

I guess more popular education is called for.

Elin

At 08:03 AM 11/6/2006, Justin Kerr wrote:
>Thanks, Elaine for posting the article.
>
>
>
>I did see the new coming attractions the other day and wondering where the
>designers of the makeup and some other things got their ideas. (I think from
>some of the fake sculpture available in fancy stores in Mexico City).
>
>However, I am bothered by the use of the word Mayan such as Mayan jungle,
>Mayan temple, Mayan vase. Etc. Even calling the people the Mayans. My
>understanding is the word Mayan is reserved for the language and the
>language only; such as a "Mayan word" or a "Mayan phrase". The correct usage
>should be Maya temple, the Maya (when speaking of the people) or a Maya
>vase, etc.
>
>
>
>I realize however, that many publications, including the New York Times use
>the word Mayan indiscriminately and this may be a case where common, but
>wrong usage has crept into the language.  I noticed in the article that Dr.
>Sharer is quoted using the word Mayan to describe other things than the
>language itself. I wonder if this is so, or did the reporter not quote
>correctly?
>
>
>
>I myself will continue to use the word Maya, rather than Mayan, but then you
>can't teach an old dog new tricks.
>
>
>
>Justin Kerr
>
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