Outcry over use of 'Mejico' with a J in a sports infographic
A TV infographic spelling 'Mejico' with a J instead of 'Mexico' sparked a linguistic debate. The RAE accepts both spellings, but not everyone sees it that way.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Mejico with a J: the spelling row that erupts during a match
A TV infographic shown during a match between Mexico and South Africa triggered a wave of reactions: the North American country appeared labelled as "Mejico", with a J. What some see as a mistake, others see as the traditional Spanish form, backed by the RAE (Royal Spanish Academy) as a valid variant.
The debate did not stop at a simple slip-up. Those who defend the J argue that "Mejico" was the dominant spelling for centuries and that many speakers —including Mexicans themselves— still use it. The RAE, in its Diccionario panhispánico de dudas, acknowledges that both forms are valid, though it recommends "Mexico" as the preferred one. The parallel with "Suráfrica" versus "Sudáfrica" also came up, with criticism of the latter as a gallicism.
On the other side, language purists dismiss the J as archaic and grating. Jokes were made about seeing "Girona" spelled with a J or "Curazao" turned into "Corasón". The controversy, brief and fuelled by football, made it clear that spelling is a battleground even when the ball is rolling. In the end, the infographic showed a valid option, though not the official one; the RAE does not close the door, but it grates on the modern speaker's ear.
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A TV infographic shown during a match between Mexico and South Africa triggered a wave of reactions: the North American country appeared labelled as "Mejico", with a J. What some see as a mistake, others see as the traditional Spanish form, backed by the RAE (Royal Spanish Academy) as a valid variant.
The debate did not stop at a simple slip-up. Those who defend the J argue that "Mejico" was the dominant spelling for centuries and that many speakers —including Mexicans themselves— still use it. The RAE, in its Diccionario panhispánico de dudas, acknowledges that both forms are valid, though it recommends "Mexico" as the preferred one. The parallel with "Suráfrica" versus "Sudáfrica" also came up, with criticism of the latter as a gallicism.
On the other side, language purists dismiss the J as archaic and grating. Jokes were made about seeing "Girona" spelled with a J or "Curazao" turned into "Corasón". The controversy, brief and fuelled by football, made it clear that spelling is a battleground even when the ball is rolling. In the end, the infographic showed a valid option, though not the official one; the RAE does not close the door, but it grates on the modern speaker's ear.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (15 replies).
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