Incorrect Terminology

I am writing concerning Betty Martin’s video review in the Oct. 10 Travel Section. While the review of the videos, particularly “Ukraine,” were good, I was shocked to see that the Los Angeles Times is still using the in front of the name of the independent nation of Ukraine.

For many years under the rule of the Soviet Union, Ukraine endured the derogatory use of that article in front of its name. Saying “the Ukraine” implies that it is simply a region, not a nation with its own distinct culture, language and people, which Ukraine certainly is. Though it was convenient for the Soviets and the Russians before them to denigrate Ukraine in this way, most newspapers and magazines have discarded this incorrect terminology.

One more small quibble. Ukrainian egg decoration consists of a process involving dyes and wax on real eggs, never paint. . . .

These may be but small details, but it has been just such details that allowed the world to look on as Ukraine and other nations were subjugated for decades under the Soviets. Now that Ukraine has gained its independence once again and the Soviet Union has been dispensed with, please dispense with the derogatory Soviet language as well.

NIKOLAS TRENDOWSKI

Los Angeles

Letters to the Travel Editor should be brief and are subject to condensation. Send letter, including a telephone number, to: Travel Section, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square , Los Angeles 90053.