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Spazito

(55,201 posts) Fri Mar 4, 2022, 12:05 PM Mar 2022

'Kyiv' or 'Kiev' -- Here's why the difference is political [View all]

Last edited Fri Mar 4, 2022, 12:50 PM - Edit history (1)

As Russian forces continue to attack Ukraine's cities, forcing more than a million people flee the country so far, onlookers around the world may be noticing different spellings and pronunciations of the name of the country's capital.

CBC has been using a transliteration based on the Ukrainian spelling of the name: "Kyiv" (pronounced "KEE-ef" ). The Russian version is "Kiev" (pronounced "kee-EV" ).

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Khanenko-Friesen says the spelling and pronunciation of "Kyiv" is significant during this "time of aggravated assault on the sovereignty and integrity of the Ukrainian state."

"Using, right now, the Ukrainian pronunciation of ... the capital is a very small choice one can do in recognition that Ukraine does have the right to exist as an independent nation, contrary to what Vladimir Putin has been stating in his recent statements and addresses to his nation."

more

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/cbc-pronunciation-kyiv-ukraine-crisis-explainer-1.6371766

17 replies

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'Kyiv' or 'Kiev' -- Here's why the difference is political [View all] Spazito Mar 2022 OP

A serious distinction. Just like Ukraine vs the Ukraine. niyad Mar 2022 #1

Yes, both are important distinctions for sure... Spazito Mar 2022 #2

Not certain this is correct. fizzix137 Mar 2022 #3

If you listen to the video in this article you might find it... Spazito Mar 2022 #5

I had a family member posted to Kyiv - she corrected my pronunciation many times - and I learned. erronis Mar 2022 #9

For consistency, we should also be using the Ukrainian spellings COL Mustard Mar 2022 #14

Thank you, barbtries Mar 2022 #4

I didn't understand the difference either until reading this... Spazito Mar 2022 #6

In my mind Kiev belongs to the era of the Soviet Union. mwooldri Mar 2022 #7

Well said! Spazito Mar 2022 #8

Well, I don't order Beijing Duck anymore either. Miss it tho. erronis Mar 2022 #10

Some things didn't change with Beijing/Peking. mwooldri Mar 2022 #12

I'd also like to know the correct transliteration of "Zelenskyy" nuxvomica Mar 2022 #11

BUT correct Ukrainian transcription is KYJIV! TomWilm Mar 2022 #13

As far as pronunciation, I wish I could find the video Laura PourMeADrink Mar 2022 #15

There is a video in this article doing exactly that... Spazito Mar 2022 #16

Thanks you're right that's it. Thank you so much Laura PourMeADrink Mar 2022 #17