[OSM-talk] Relevance of the “name” tag in places where there is no obvious associated language

Andy Townsend ajt1047 at gmail.com
Fri Dec 6 18:01:52 UTC 2019


On 06/12/2019 14:40, Tomek wrote:
> EN
> The problem is that the English imperialists want to impose their 
> language on other nations; and do not understand (do not want to 
> understand) how someone writes in a language other than English, is it 
> so difficult to use Google / Yandex / Bing?

Taking a step back from the original problem (what should go in the name 
tag for e.g. the Atlantic Ocean), I think it's worth thinking about how 
you're trying to discuss this with people.

I'd suggest that talking about "English imperialists" as part of your 
argument is unhelpful to your cause, not because it is rude (even though 
it is) but because ultimately you presumably want to win people over to 
your point of view.  It would help to try and understand how OSM got 
into the position it is in now (with one "name" tag and lots of 
"name:language" tags) and to try and understand the conflicting 
requirements that mean that there isn't going to be a perfect solution 
that satisfies everyone.  Until you do that and understand where other 
people are coming from you won't be able to engage with their arguments, 
and you won't be able to make an argument that engages with their point 
of view and perhaps expands their worldview a bit.

Best Regards,

Andy

PS:  If you'd like to create a map that's based on EO name tags let me 
know if you would like any help.


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