Is the better Spanish word for the computer device mouse or ratón?
Friday February 6, 2004
Some lovers of the Spanish language say that international growth of the Internet is threatening the Spanish language, but others say that the continued infusion of English only enriches the Spanish language, notes a recent article in the Argentine newspaper Clarín. Observes Ricardo Soca of elcastellano.org, who is quoted in the article: "In many countries the choice that the Spanish have to use the word ratón instead of mouse [when speaking of a computer mouse] sounds ridiculous. Nevertheless, if the device has the shape of a ratón, the tail of a ratón and moves like a ratón, nothing should be more natural than calling it a ratón." Read the article (in Spanish)...
Comments
In Spain, ususally we say “mouse” instead of “ratón”. So, when we have a conversation and someone says “mouse”, we know the conversation is about computers and not about the animal.
I hope to have been of help.
Alfredo
To Alfredo.
Most of your compatriots think only ignorant people say “mouse”, calling us Hispanic Americans ignorant.
To Gerald.
I’m not sure about my understanding (English is my second language), but I wouldn’t say “the choice that the Spanish have” implying that a Spaniard may choose between “mouse” or “ratón”. I would say “the choice that Spaniards made”, implying that in Spain the only correct transalation of “mouse” is “ratón”. People like Alfredo are scorned by most Spaniards.
Here in Hispanic America it’s just like Alfredo says: “mauses” (spelled “mouses”) are from computeres and “ratones” are animals.