to wish people would use the correct name for my country?

[Buttercup2926]

I love living in the UK but I do wish people were better educated about the country right next door. Particularly its name.

The Constitution of Ireland sets out that there are two official names for the country, Ireland and Éire. Éire should only be used when speaking in the Irish language. Therefore it is correct for people in the UK to say Ireland when talking about that fab country next door!

Northern Ireland is a seperate place and is part of the UK.

Republic of Ireland is a description as opposed to a name. For political reasons FIFA forces the football team to use this name.

The term 'Southern Ireland' is very offensive and should not be used ever. It has strong historical connotations and was used by the English government as a way to avoid recognising the independence of Ireland. I understand that people genuinely do not know this and don't always mean to be offensive as so many people in England use it so casually.

I often see on here people referring to Irish accents and sayings as 'regional'. This is incorrect, Ireland is not a region of the UK no more than France or Spain are.

In the grand scheme of things, is it really THAT important?

Wasn't there a thread like this earlier in the week?

OP I'd don your hard hat.

yawn

(I'm Irish BTW)

P.s. that earlier thread didn't end well hence the hard hat.

very educational, but how nice to have nothing else to worry about.

seems logical to use 'Southern Ireland' when there is a 'Northern Ireland'. Correct it by all means but if you get offended by this, you really do have to look at your anger management issues.

Not this again .

I'm Irish and I'm from the north. Shocking huh.

good for you

so when referring to the republic of Ireland, I should just say Ireland?

The Irish side of my family, both those in Ireland and those who were born there sometimes refer to it as Southern Ireland, so I had no idea it could be seen as offensive.

oh no not another one!
'Southern Ireland' is a bit irritating tbh.
also what annoys me is people saying 'Island' when they mean 'Ireland'.

Fair enough.

I am Irish and I didn't know all this. It doesnt bother me all that much but I don't live in the UK.

I agree with you on the Southern Ireland thing though. That gives me the rage. Ireland is not defined by the existence of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland was a country created for political reasons and obviously needed to a name, it does not mean that the rest of Ireland gets renamed because of it. It doesnt even make any sense, there are parts of the Republic of Ireland further North than parts in Northern Ireland.

Ok, I have learned something. I refer to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as a way of separating the two. Had no idea that ROI was just a footy thing - how bizarre. Every day is a school day.

But surely someone in France can have a "regional" accent? Regional isn't just reserved for the UK?

I am not angry or offended.

I would just prefer if people used the correct name, hardly an outrageous request.

Meh. I wish people could spell 'separate'. But I don't make a big thing of it.

Some parts of the Republic are further north than parts of Northern Ireland, so calling us ('cos I live in the Republic) Southern Ireland is misleading - although I can't say I'm offended by it.

We're in the North and might refer to going 'down south' or to the free state

Thanks for that OP, I appreciate being set straight.

I wouldn't use 'Southern Ireland' but didn't realist it was actually offensive. Hadn't really thought about 'regional' accents, but I guess it makes sense.

Do people actually walk around being bothered by things like these

Do you really need to educate MN on this? Can't you just address it with people as/when you hear them say it in RL.

I've never heard anyone in real life use the term southern Ireland or regional Irish accents. YABU.

I often see on here people referring to Irish accents and sayings as 'regional'. This is incorrect

Doesn't Ireland have regions then?

You have a right to be offended - would people be rolling their eyes if a black person came on and asked not to be referred to as 'darkie'? A person with duel heritage reminding people not to use the term 'half caste'?

I appreciate people telling me what terminology I should and should not use, I would hate to inadvertently cause offense.

Why should the OP not correct a misuse of language, especially if there are historical/political connotations? Ans not everyone has seen every thread on MN! People getting your country wrong IS really irritating.

Saying that, I had no idea about the FIFA/Republic thing. I wonder what their rationale for that is.

Some parts of North Yorkshire are more south than some parts of South Yorkshire....just saying. I went to the Giant's Causeway once and my phone got confused and charged me for being abroad, this is irrelevant I just thought you'd like to know.

Dual Heritage.

I'll get me coat.