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Fightdirecto -> The hubub about "haboob" (7/24/2011 8:23:12 PM)
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Haboob - noun - a type of intense sandstorm commonly observed in arid regions throughout the world. Comes from the Arabic word for "Strong wind"
New York Times
quote:
Dust storms are a regular summer phenomenon in Arizona, and the news media typically label them as nothing more than that. But the National Weather Service, in describing this month’s particularly thick storm, used the term haboob, which was widely picked up by the news media.
“Meteorologists in the Southwest have used the term for decades,” said Randy Cerveny, a climatologist at Arizona State University. “The media usually avoid it because they don’t think anyone will understand it.”
Over the past few months, there are been several intense sandstorms in the state of Arizona, and some TV weathermen in Arizona have called those sandstorms "haboobs". This, apparently, has gotten some Arizonians' panties in a bunch.
Don't call our dust storm haboobs
quote:
After living here for 57 years, I have seen an "Arizona dust storm" or two.
What irritates me is the growing trend to call our Arizona dust storms "haboobs."
While other countries in the world may call them that, this is the United States.
Even more, this is Arizona, not some Middle Eastern nation.
I am insulted that local TV news crews are now calling this kind of storm a haboob. How do they think our soldiers feel coming back to Arizona and hearing some Middle Eastern term that is clearly an Arizona phenomenon?
Westerners don't call it a 'haboob'
quote:
Excuse me, Mr. Weatherman!
Who gave you the right to use the word "haboob" in describing our recent dust storm?
We have our own culture, too, sir, and we don't take kindly to being robbed of it
At least some Arizonians, however, seem to have the right attitude, IMO:
It takes 'chutzpah' to use 'haboob'
quote:
Regarding the letter on Saturday, "Don't call our dust storms haboobs": I so enjoyed the response to the use of the word "haboob," which I read sitting in my "adobe" home with my wee "dachshund" begging to share my "bologna" and "sushi." But I could go on "ad nauseam," listing useful foreign words "ad infinitum," but that would take a lot of "chutzpah." I will simply have a glass of "champagne" and hope that we don't have a "tornado," let alone a "tsunami," out here in the "boondocks."
Don't sweat the use of 'haboob'
quote:
Regarding the letter Saturday by the writer who feels insulted because the Arabic word "haboob" is being used by TV commentators ("Don't call our dust storm haboobs"):
May I remind the writer that, according to his logic, the following words of foreign origin should also not be used as they may insult him and our armed forces? Typhoon, shawl, pajamas and kiosk. Also, we should not teach "algebra," use the "zero" or wear "khaki" pants.
The "phenomenon" of the Arizona dust storm also occurs in California, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico and any place in the world where a hot, dry wind blows across a desert or field.
Let's not become so "xenophobic" that we forget to remember that we are citizens of the world, nor fail to recognize the contributions of all cultures to the richness of our language.
Which side of the argument do you find yourself on? Should we continue using all the words - or should we remove all words of foreign origin?
While you're thinking about your answer, have a cup of coffee (BTW: the word "coffee" comes from Turkish) or a cup of tea (BTW: the word "tea" comes from the Malay language).
[image]local://upfiles/42188/E61B41CB86DA4DF1A5836A42857F2881.jpg[/image]
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