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New Spelling ‘Cabo Verde’ Adopted Internationally

New Spelling ‘Cabo Verde’ Adopted Internationally

From Asemena

International institutions have begun using the spelling “Cabo Verde,” without translating the country’s name. In an extensive report on February 10, the Boston Globe explains that Anglophones wrote “Cape Verde,” Fins, Swedes and German-speakers “Kap Verde” and Italians “Capo Verde,” which created problems, for example, when sending simple diplomatic cables and for the elaboration of tourist guides.

The United Nations Organization recognized the spelling “Cabo Verde” in 2013 in response to a request from Cape Verdean authorities, and the new designation is now used in all of the United Nations’ official languages. “There is a special taste and power in saying this is what we are. We are no longer labeled as being this or that,” declared Minister of Culture Mário Lúcio Sousa to the Boston Globe.

Nevertheless, Republic of Cabo Verde is still accepted, as is République du Cabo Verde in French. In the United States, according to the same newspaper, US government data bases and sites, such as that of the CIA, have already adopted the designation Cabo Verde.

In the words of the New England-based newspaper, a country’s name translates its culture, identity and history. “It is a brand that influences everything from economic development to international investment opportunities and tourism. Cabo Verde is on maps. It’s emblazoned on the sides of airplanes. It’s on the cover of trade magazines,” writes the Boston Globe.

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