The name of our planet is "Earth". Why is it such a common practice to affix "the" in front of its name?

Grammatical gender... Most languages use it, the English language lacks it... ;)

---

It may not be 1984 but George Orwell sure did see the future . . .

How many angels can dance of the head of a pin...? Just wondering, this thread
makes about as much sense...

---

Account frozen...

Hello Earthicans.

---

Scorpions - Wind Of Change

Hello Erthicans.

It's Terrans, you fool...

---

Account frozen...

Hello Erthicans.

It's Terrans, you fool...

*snicker*

---

Scorpions - Wind Of Change

It could be to demean Earth.

Why "The Ukraine"? Why do Russians call it "The Ukraine" when it is in fact "Ukraine". Why don't the Russians say The USA, or The England or The South Africa?

It's because 'the river' is part of something, 'the sun' is in the sky. The Ukraine is a province of Russia (so they arrogantly want to continue to think of it as).

So that is my explanation - Earth is demeaned by being referred to as part of something (the solar system?) rather than being acknowledged in it's own right (as other planets).

Given most humans tendency towards Earthnocentrism, puplemnknavel's assertion makes more sense than this "demean the Earth" idea.

---

Capitalize on this good fortune, one word can bring you round ... changes.

I think there is even a Difference between "Earth" and "The Earth" and "the earth" :-D
I understand it as follows:

Earth as being the name of this planet

The Earth as making Earth special, like when using "The Garbo" instead of just (Greta) Garbo in media

the earth as noun, (British for soil)

---

Account frozen...

Hello Erthicans.

It's Terrans, you fool...

Just read through here and the whole time I was thinking "Terra". lol

---

DONATE TO SETI

I've got a shovel and am not afraid to use it. Next person to post in here will be buried 6 feet under the 'earth' or 'the earth' on 'The Earth'. Hell, forget it. Celestial dirt nap is the punishment.

---

Founder of BOINC team Objectivists. Oh the humanity! Rational people crunching data!
I did NOT authorize this belly writing!

I've got a shovel and am not afraid to use it. Next person to post in here will be buried 6 feet under the 'earth' or 'the earth' on 'The Earth'. Hell, forget it. Celestial dirt nap is the punishment.

Huh?

;)

---

Calm Chaos Forum...Join Calm Chaos Now

Some refer to me as "The Sarge," to place me above all the other Slim Shady Imitatin' Sarges.

---

Capitalize on this good fortune, one word can bring you round ... changes.

I've got a shovel and am not afraid to use it. Next person to post in here will be buried 6 feet under the 'earth' or 'the earth' on 'The Earth'. Hell, forget it. Celestial dirt nap is the punishment.

Huh?

;)

Yer cruisin' for a bruisin' Labbie. Hate ta see ya go. That would be Terra-ble.

---

DONATE TO SETI

I've got a shovel and am not afraid to use it. Next person to post in here will be buried 6 feet under the 'earth' or 'the earth' on 'The Earth'. Hell, forget it. Celestial dirt nap is the punishment.

Huh?

;)

Yer cruisin' for a bruisin' Labbie. Hate ta see ya go. That would be Terra-ble.

Pawly's RAC is referred to as "The 17."

---

Capitalize on this good fortune, one word can bring you round ... changes.

I've got a shovel and am not afraid to use it. Next person to post in here will be buried 6 feet under the 'earth' or 'the earth' on 'The Earth'. Hell, forget it. Celestial dirt nap is the punishment.

Huh?

;)

Yer cruisin' for a bruisin' Labbie. Hate ta see ya go. That would be Terra-ble.

Pawly's RAC is referred to as "The 17."

LOL ouch! Yeah I've been throwing everthing at QMC for Canada's POTM. Guess I should bump that back up , eh?

---

DONATE TO SETI

Some refer to me as "The Sarge," to place me above all the other Slim Shady Imitatin' Sarges.

Erm.

Actually No. Some of us refer to you as "THE 'Thing' From The Cafe."

Giggles.. Ooops.. :o)~


(Me runs for cover..)

The name of our planet is "Earth". Why is it such a common practice to affix "the" in front of its name?

Grammatical gender... Most languages use it, the English language lacks it... ;)

For me the best explanation about this issue comes from Jeffrey´s: it is almost all because of grammatical gender. English lacks of it but not of the article "The" which we (English speaking world) use for everything. In Spanish you have to determine at first the gender and the amount of the object you are talking of. Russian grammar works different: they have no article, they just use six different declinations in order to establish differences and make the sentence/meaning suitable.
And last but not least, in Spanish you can say/shout out loud: "Tierra" when you discover/find a new continent or land. Anyway it is a matter of Grammar and not a political conflict. People should learn and feel comfortable with their mother language before attempting criticism. Cultural and historical background should be considered as well. Remember: Do not mess with Texas!

---

Ehhhrm... english grammar... hehe. I dont think I shall say a word.. ;-) I am not actually a english grammar expert. lol. .. but you guys can try the Norwegian grammar. ;-p

---

Jord eller " jorden "?

Det er saken tilværelse anmodet.

I assume the translator makes sense for the native speaker. Internet auto-translators are usually pretty poor at the best of times.

---

It's good to be back amongst friends and colleagues

Ehhhrm... english grammar... hehe. I dont think I shall say a word.. ;-) I am not actually a english grammar expert. lol. .. but you guys can try the Norwegian grammar. ;-p

hello arizona moon! haha yes, good idea -- we can start calling it "Earth-the" ! I like the sound of that...


practicing conversation: "hello, I'm from Earththe ..." yeah - I could get used to that



edit: I just thought of something - we'd be doomed! people would start calling it "The Earththe" ... this I'm certain of!

---

that would have worked if you hadn't stopped me