"The" Ukraine

[George K]

Seems like it was not that long ago that the country we're all talking about was referred to as "The Ukraine."

I never understood that appellation, or its reasons.

But, what changed? Why? When?

[Horace]

Ask Ohio State

[kluurs]

The Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union while Ukraine is a country.

[Renauda]

@kluurs

Not really. It’s because in Russian and Ukrainian it literally means at/by the edge. Anglos therefore took it as a geographical region and stuck the indefinite article in front.

[Larry]

I was always told that saying "the ukraine" exposed me as ignant, and since I didn't want to sound ignant, I have always said Ukraine.

[xenon]

Link to video

[bachophile]

The Bronx will always be the Bronx.