Reminds me of the time Russian TV, when the US invaded the Caraibean island of Grenada, showed a map of the city of Granada in Spain…

American Education at its best.

Though to be fair, you usually do think of the places nearby when somewhere is named.  If somebody in England happens to overhear that there was a big accident in London, they’re probably not going to think immediately of Arizona.

That is somewhat true.

Yes, although there’s a difference between someone in Britain hearing of, say, an explosion in London, and someone in the state of Georgia thinking that the Russians have invaded in tanks…

Saying a country invading province/state of another country/nation is a bit odd to say tho.
Or the other way around even…

EX: Saskatchewan invades Australia. *snickers*

Madmouse - 18 August 2008 04:05 PM

Yes, although there’s a difference between someone in Britain hearing of, say, an explosion in London, and someone in the state of Georgia thinking that the Russians have invaded in tanks…

True.  The latter involves lots of explosions and has a much higher coolness factor.

This ones for Silver;
Dog River invades the USA.

I have noticed a few reports that specifically say, “The nation” of Georgia.  Or something similar.  It is a little weird to hear it.  When I first heard my reaction was…“How…Ooooh, the COUNTRY, not the state.“  But…it was like a split second.  I didn’t need help from the internet.  Or a map.

I was in high school when Ronald Reagan had jet fighters attack Libya.  A history teacher overheard kids in the hallway wondering if Libya was in South America.  So, he told us that for the class-period, the history lesson will be cancelled, and instead we will get a geography lesson on Libya’s location in the world.

Another thing is “Washington”.  So often in the news, they say “Washington… blah blah blah”.  But you usually need the context before finding out whether they mean Washington D.C. or Washington state.  “Presidential candidate so-and-so will be making a campaign stop in Washington this week.“  Not enough info there, you still don’t know whether D.C. or the state is meant.

And another thing is “Czech Republic”.  Why is only this country called “republic?“  You wouldn’t say, “The English Republic” would you?  It used to be part of Czechoslovakia, of course.  But Slovakia doesn’t get the “republic” at the end of its name.  Czechia might be better?  Perhaps “Czechy”?  I don’t know.

‘You wouldn’t say, “The English Republic” would you?‘

No, I would never call it that, mostly because it’s a monarchy.

eovti - 18 August 2008 09:51 PM

No, I would never call it that, mostly because it’s a monarchy.

* high-fives eovti *