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Neanderthal or Neandarthal – Which is Correct?

When it comes to the correct spelling of Neanderthal, there seems to be some debate. Some people prefer to spell it as Neandarthal, while others insist on using the more widely accepted form, Neanderthal. So, which one is correct? Well, let’s look at the evidence and learn the fascinating world of the Neanderthals to find out.

Neanderthals were a species of archaic humans that lived in Europe and parts of western Asia before becoming extinct around 40,000 years ago. They are famous for their robust physique and distinct physical features, such as a prominent brow ridge and a large nose. The name Neanderthal is derived from the Neander Valley in Germany, where the first fossil remains of these ancient humans were discovered in the 19th century.

Now, getting back to the spelling controversy. The generally accepted spelling is Neanderthal, with an “e” after the “d”. This spelling is supported by the majority of scientific and academic institutions, such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Natural History Museum in London. It is also the spelling used in most scientific publications and textbooks.

The argument in favor of Neanderthal is that it aligns with the traditional spelling and pronunciation of the name. Moreover, it reflects the original spelling used by the scientists who first described the species. Additionally, the “e” in Neanderthal corresponds to the German pronunciation of the name, as the German “e” is typically pronounced like the English “a”.

On the other hand, some people prefer the spelling Neandarthal. This spelling variation emerged in the latter part of the 20th century and has gained some popularity, particularly in casual contexts. One possible reason for this variation is the desire to simplify the spelling, as the pronunciation of “e” as “a” can be confusing for non-native English speakers or those not familiar with the etymology of the word.

However, it is important to note that the spelling Neandarthal is not widely recognized or accepted by authoritative sources. The Oxford English Dictionary, for example, includes only the spelling Neanderthal and does not mention the alternative form. Similarly, scientific journals and reputable dictionaries predominantly use the spelling Neanderthal.

To further illustrate the prevalence of the spelling Neanderthal, we can observe its consistent usage in various fields. For instance, in paleoanthropology, the branch of anthropology that investigates human evolution, the spelling Neanderthal is universally employed. Similarly, in archaeology, history, and other related disciplines, the standard spelling is Neanderthal.

In conclusion, while the spelling Neandarthal may exist as a variation, it is not the correct or widely accepted form. The overwhelming consensus among scholars, institutions, and publications favors the spelling Neanderthal. To ensure accuracy and consistency, it is advisable to use the established spelling, even though it might take a bit of getting used to for some. So let’s celebrate and learn about our extinct cousins using the appropriate spelling – Neanderthal, with an “e” after the “d”.