Mondano


Many months ago, it occurred to me that there should be a term to describe a certain type of person. Someone who through travel, study, or other path to global awareness, transcends their nationality to become a kind of international citizen. In spirit and perspective.

Wasn't easy. An old friend in London, who speaks fluent Esperanto and is clever in odd ways, first came up with a few rather inelegant attempts ('Mondcivitano', 'Terran', 'Universalist'). Just today he emailed me this solution, which I'd like to officially propose as a new word:

Woke up in the middle of the night with the solution for your "World Citizen" puzzle:

'MONDANO'

I honestly believe this is your word. Why? Because, although a neologism:
1. It means "follower of world cultures", "world citizen", and "supporter of cosmopolitanism". Have already received those definitions from strangers today.
2. It is readily comprehensible by Italians, Croats, and the Swiss. This has also been tested today.
3. Its pronunciation by foreigners is sonorous - due to its three pure vowels: The two o's sound like the last 'o' when an Italian says, 'elefanto' - while the 'a' sounds like the 'a' said by an Italian in the same word.
4. It is instantly memorable.
5. It is short, yet full of meaning.

I think it's pretty good, and not specific to one language. Anyway if you like Mondano use it, pass it around.

Home

Posted: Wed - March 2, 2005 at 10:41 AM          

©