I read a post today that reminded me of a discussion I had with my Italian friends when I was living in Bologna. I don’t remember exactly how we came to talk about the specific subject but the conversation was regarding the differences between an Italian education and an American education. We somehow came to talking about the continents… more specifically the number of continents. Growing up in an American school system, my classmates and I were taught that there are 7 continents (North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Antarctica.) According to my Italian friends, there are only 6 and the Frenchman among us claimed 5! So what’s the deal!? I named the 7 that I was taught to the laughs of the Italians and Frenchman. According to them Antarctica is NOT a continent and North and South America only make up 1. The evidents ranged from the number of rings in the Olympic logo (apparently each one represents a continent) to the number of permanent residents living in Antarctica. I was pretty certain that I was correct with 7, so I googled it when I got home and low and behold, there are several schools of thought….. we were all right. So if you are looking for a good/heated conversation at dinner with your Italian friends, bring up the continents but remember, the correct answer is 7!
Oooh….I am gonna LOVE discussing this with my husband over dinner tonight. I’ll admit, when it comes to world geography I SUCK! (blame that one on the education system…remember Miss Teen USA last year?)
However, after playing the game How Well Do You Know Your World?…let’s just say that it’s worse than playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey!
Joe,
That would be an interesteing conversation. I guess we just take for granted that we are all taught the same, and given the same information…especially on something tangible like geography. I wonder why the difference???
It’s funny you mentioned this because I was walking through the store the other day and saw a magazine with a story related to the 5 continents. It was one of those things where you see it and it doesn’t quite register right away, then you wonder if you actually read it right. So, there I was in the checkout line going through the continents in my head and trying to figure out how to break it down into 5 instead of 7. Then there’s the fact that when I say I’m American here, some people think I’m from Argentina.
Leave it to the French to base their geography on an Olympic symbol started in 1913. All kidding aside, he/she is correct, as they count the Americas as one continent on the flag and Antartica is considered uninhabited based on its population per land mass.
I absolutely love a good debate where there’s no right answer. I think my questions for them would be these:
-What do you consider Antartica then if it’s not a continent?
-Since the Americas are considered one continent why isn’t Europe & Asis considered one as well? (Eurasia, come on now)
-Maybe 7 rings just seemed to cluttered for de Coubertin. Or was he just lazy? Did he only have five colored pencils hanging around when he wrote that infamous letter in 1913?
All valid questions I think…
Rowena, I do remember the Miss Teen USA contestant… that was hilarious! let’s just hope she didn’t win.
Robin, Not sure what the difference is or why??? You would think that the world could agree on something so simple.
MB, I was questioning myself the whole time…. is there 7? could I be mistaken? trying to think them through in my head as well.
Chris, exactly…. leave it to the Frenchman. He was convincing though. All valid questions…. wish I had those during the debate. I’m sure you’ll have fun with that one soon.
I can’t believe we have never discussed this. I find this so interesting. I’m gonna bring it up at a party tonight. Thanks big brother. Keep up the good work…I am becoming addicted to your blog! And I’m not just saying that because we’re related
Joe,
Who would ever guess that geography would be the topic of such passionate conversation!
I don’t suppose that wine was served with dinner?
But, what was I thinking, Europeans look at heated conversation (what Americans try to avoid because we call it arguing) as an art form in itself.
HA! I can’t wait to bring this up with my Italian husband. hehe great post!
Heated discussions here in Napoli at the dinner table, never! [tongue firmly in cheek]
I’ll never forget the great cheese debate at dinner the day after I arrived. I barely knew any Italian yet, and I didn’t know what to make of it at first. I’ve grown to love these debates, although sometimes I wish I could make everyone talk just a little bit slower!
Thanks for the fuel! Plus, if I’m ever on an Italian gameshow and get asked about continents, I’ll remember this! ;P
I’m with Chris! Who says Antarctica needs inhabitants to be a continent! Australia must be just barely getting into the club at that point. Typical Europeans. They throw North and South America together but Europe is SOOOO different then Asia. Bahhhh!!!