[Vocabulary] Differences between Argentine, Argentinian and Argentinean

[VillaCarlosPaz]

I have read these three words but I don't know the difference. Which is correct? Which is the most used? The changes in the end of word (ne, nian, nean) depends of the country? There are more ways of saying that someone or something is from Argentina?

Thanks!

 

[BobK]

I have read these three words but I don't know the difference. Which is correct? Which is the most used? The changes in the end of word (ne, nian, nean) depends of the country? There are more ways of saying that someone or something is from Argentina?

Thanks!

The first dates from the time when Argentina was known as 'the Argentine Republic' or just 'the Argentine' - pronounced with entirely English vowel sounds: /a:ʤəntaɪn/. I don't hear this used very often.

I've never seen 'Argentinean'; I have heard both 'Argentinian' (/a:ʤən'tɪniən/) and 'Argentinan' (/a:ʤən'ti:nən/.

My personal preference (from these) is for the one with the stressed vowel /i:/, but what I tend to use most is 'people [or whatever noun is appropriate in the context] from Argentina'.

b

 

[Raymott]

I notice that the Buenos Aires Herald, an English language newspaper, uses 'Argentine'.
"Follow the Argentine team at the London Olympics with this day-by-day guide showing all the Argentine athletes' schedules, across all categories"
Breaking News - BuenosAiresHerald.com

I've also heard this pronounced /a:ʤənti:n/

 

[BobK]

On reflection, I agree. It's the /aɪn/ pronunciation that is dated.

b

 

[Tdol]

Isn't /a:ʤən'ti:nən/ the form favoured by pedants?

 

[charliedeut]

The changes in the end of word (ne, nian, nean) depends of the country?

Hi,

I would say yes:

Spain: Spanish-Spaniard
Denmark: Danish-Dane

There are probably more variations, but these two came to my mind immediately. Note that 'Spaniard' and 'Dane' are not used (as far as I know) to refer to the languiage, but to people native of those caountries.

charliedeut

 

[BobK]

:up: That must be why I said I 'preferred' it ;-) - but because of its association with pedantry I use the workaround I suggested.

b

 

[VillaCarlosPaz]

Thanks for the answers, BobK, Raymott, Tdol and charliedeut.

"Isn't /a:ʤən'ti:nən/ the form favoured by pedants?"

I think I don't understand it correctly. If I pronounce /a:ʤən'ti:nən/ will I look like a pedant? Why?

PS: I want to improve my written English. That is the reason why I registered in this forum. If there are mistakes in my grammar, please correct me. I will be grateful for your help.

 

[BobK]

Thanks for the answers, BobK, Raymott, Tdol and charliedeut.

"Isn't /a:ʤən'ti:nən/ the form favoured by pedants?"

I think I don't understand it correctly. If I pronounce /a:ʤən'ti:nən/ will I look like a pedant? Why?...

No you won't. I think Tdol was just saying 'This is correct, but only a pedant would insist on it.'

b

 

[Tdol]

Some pedants insist that this is the only correct form. You can use it freely without sounding like a pedant- it only becomes pedantry if you tell others they're wrong. ;-)

 

[VillaCarlosPaz]

Now I understand. Thanks again.