• Hazel@piefed.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    26·
    9 days ago

    Asia was named such by the Europeans, meaning something like ‘the land of the sunrise’ and thus referencing its Eastern position relative to Europe.

    Etymonline cites a possible Akkadian origin for ‘europe’ meaning ‘to go down, set’, which would mirror the origin for the word ‘asia’.

    In other words, Europe and Asia might literally mean ‘the western and eastern bit,’ making perfect sense.

    • captainlezbian@lemmy.world
      5·
      9 days ago

      Thus reaulting in Eurasia being the setting and rising land, which is fitting because the sun certainly does do both things there from what I hear (I’ve only been to North America according to the tectonicists in this thread)

    • tetris11@feddit.ukEnglish
      4·
      9 days ago

      c. 1300, from Latin Asia, from Greek Asia, speculated to be from Akkadian asu “to go out, to rise,” in reference to the sun, thus “the land of the sunrise.” Used by the early Greeks of what later was known as Asia Minor; by Pliny of the whole continent.

      https://www.etymonline.com/word/Asia

      • blibla@slrpnk.netOP
        2·
        6 days ago

        whereas europe means … wide face xd

        Often explained as “broad face,” from eurys “wide” (see eury-) + ops “face,” literally “eye” (from PIE root *okw- “to see”). But also traditionally linked with Europa, Phoenician princess in Greek mythology. Klein (citing Heinrich Lewy) suggests a possible Semitic origin in Akkad. erebu “to go down, set” (in reference to the sun) which would parallel occident. Another suggestion along those lines is Phoenician 'ereb “evening,” hence “west.”