Place Names make a False Argument

Submitted by Spatial Scientist (United States), Aug 17, 2006 at 10:29

The study of place names makes for an interesting exercise, but to literally interpret the place name “Kafr al-Dawwar” as a true current representation of the actual place is a false argument. The terms “far, isolated and desolate” are relative and require a frame of reference that may change over time.

Kafr al-Dawwar may have been “far, isolated and desolate” 2000 years ago. It is also possible that a place name never reflected the characteristics of the place. This is the nature of place names. Your argument using “Kafr al-Dawwar” is a real stretch. Better that you argue within your expertise or you will lessen your overall position.

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