18. Arguments against & for abolition of exonyms

Arguments against abolition of exonyms:

• Exonyms are part of national culture,

• Exonyms reflect historical relationships,

• Abolition of exonyms would lead to difficulties in pronunciation,

• Abolition of exonyms leads to confusion in international traffic, safety problems.

 

Arguments for abolition of exonyms:

• Keeping exonyms leads to confusion,

• Use of exonyms delays identification of objects,

• Why use incorrect/distorted names when correct ones are available,

• Keeping to exonyms reflects reactionary, neo-colonialistic ideas,

• Abolishing exonyms improves international communication.