Register

Why do we call South America, Latin America when Latin originated in Italy?

Is This A Good Question? (4)

Add an Answer to "Why do we call South America, Latin America when Latin originated in Italy?"

Send me an email when there are new answers to this question

    Best Answer (Chosen by Voting):

    ob1kenobe - 46-50 years old - male

    Posted by ob1kenobe Nov 13th, 2012 at 4:08PM

    Because all of the countries in Latin America have a principle language that is derived from Latin (eg, Spanish or portuguese)

    [ Reply ] | Like (3)

  1. RoaringFlameLostinShadow - male

    Reply by RoaringFlameLostinShadow Nov 13th, 2012 at 4:10PM

    Isn't Latin basically the godfather and grandfather of ALL modern language as we know it?

    Like (1)

  2. ob1kenobe - 46-50 years old - male

    Reply by ob1kenobe Nov 13th, 2012 at 4:15PM

    No. Although it had some input into English, the Germanic languages split off before Latin evolved. So English (being a Germanic language) has a surprisingly small percentage of Latin input.

    Like (1)

    2 more replies

4 Answers to "Why do we call South America, Latin America when Latin originated in Italy?"

  1. GnatFree - 22-25 years old

    Posted by GnatFree Nov 13th, 2012 at 4:29PM

    First of all, Latin America is Central America, not south america. Second of all Italy, Portugal, and Spain were among the first to establish regular trade with and "colonize" (read: STOLE) the New World. Third of all, White people tend to call people by erm...incorrect names for much longer than it's appropriate.

    Like (1)

  2. rayjoy - 18-21 years old - female

    Posted by rayjoy Nov 13th, 2012 at 4:10PM

    so we can confuse the little kids in school! Just like that planet Pluto, thats not really a planet, but is, but isn't!

    Like (1)

  3. IWishIUnderstood - 22-25 years old - male

    Posted by IWishIUnderstood Nov 13th, 2012 at 4:09PM

    because 'Murica

    Like (1)

Ask A Question

Answers to questions are provided for entertainment purposes only. You should never use answers to questions provided here to replace professional advice, such as from a doctor or lawyer. This page is for providing answers to the question "Why do we call South America, Latin America when Latin originated in Italy?"