The Chosen Words: Why it is Written Jameneí and Other Doubts from Readers
The article discusses readers' questions regarding the spelling of certain words in the newspaper, highlighting the journalistic criteria behind these choices.
In this article from El País, the author addresses reader queries about the spelling of specific words, particularly the use of accents in names like Jameneí. The text clarifies that such choices are not arbitrary errors but are grounded in established journalistic criteria. The piece emphasizes the importance of journalistic precision, noting that even minor typographical elements like accents can spark significant debates among writers and editors.
The article references a comprehensive style guide adopted by the newspaper which includes a dictionary of over 400 pages to resolve conflicts about word choice and usage among journalists. This guide serves to uphold a standard where journalists are encouraged to use clear, direct language rather than succumbing to euphemisms that might be favored by specific groups. The emphasis is on naming things accurately in order to maintain journalistic integrity.
Furthermore, the piece demonstrates how understanding language can be a complex issue. For example, a reader named Sonia Mallón questions why the name Jameneí is spelled with an accent on the last 'i', suggesting it disrupts the diptongo. This highlights the often intricately debated nuances of language and the conscious decisions that editors and journalists must make to uphold clarity and readability in their reporting.