Names of some landmarks in Utah, such as Oquirrh and Timpanogos, are not easy to spell. Sometimes they are mispronounced. That doesn't mean we should avoid them and use words that are easier - and also more bland, less lyrical and less representative of our state and its heritage.
With the coming of the Olympics, some folks think we should make some changes. They haven't yet suggested we change the name of the Oquirrh Mountains or Timpanogos Peak, but if there were a venue there, that might happen, too.What they are proposing is to avoid using the word Oquirrh in the name of a new $4 million skating oval, even though it's located at the Oquirrh Park Fitness Center complex.
It's "too tough on the tongue," says one Olympics official.
So what?
Lillehammer didn't exactly come easy at first, but people got used to it, and it's doubtful the Norwegians seriously considered changing it. Or not using it. In fact, during the Winter Olympics there, the natives seemed determined to show off all the place names, costumes and traditions that make them unique - and that attitude delighted people around the world. It was the best part of the Olympics for many who watched.
Utah is a unique place with a wonderfully diverse heritage that includes cultures of the original American Indian inhabitants and the Mormon pioneers and other immigrants who came much later and brought their own traditions and languages and designated places and landmarks accordingly.
Let's be proud of Utah. If some of our words seem a little strange at first to those who visit during the Olympics and those who announce the Games on television, let's not worry too much about it. They'll get used to them.
There's no reason to avoid using those unique names. Utahns, with all their strange-sounding place names, have many reasons to be proud. Let's not start wishing we were something different, simpler or easier.