Mount Everest and England
Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, standing at 8,848 meters. Located in the Himalayas, it is a popular destination for adventurers and mountaineers who seek to climb its summit. While it is located in Nepal, Mount Everest has long been of interest to the people of England, who have played a significant role in the exploration and naming of the mountain. In this article, we will explore how Mount Everest is referred to by the people of England.
The Name Game: What is in a Name?
Mount Everest was named after Sir George Everest, a Welsh surveyor who served as the Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843. Although he never actually saw the mountain in person, it was named after him in 1865 by Andrew Waugh, the then-Surveyor General of India. The mountain had previously been known by the local Sherpa people as Chomolungma, which means "Goddess Mother of the World", and by the Tibetans as Qomolangma, which means "Holy Mother".
The name Everest sparked some controversy when it was first proposed because it was difficult to spell and pronounce. Some people suggested that the mountain should be named after its local names instead, but the name Everest ultimately stuck. Today, the mountain continues to be referred to by different names, depending on who you ask and where you are in the world.
The British Empire and Everest
Mount Everest was first surveyed by the British Empire in the early 20th century. In 1921, a British expedition team led by Charles Howard-Bury was the first to attempt to climb the mountain, but they were unsuccessful in reaching the summit. Several other British expeditions followed, and in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest.
These expeditions played a significant role in shaping the way that Mount Everest came to be viewed by the people of England. The mountain became a symbol of British exploration and adventure, and it remains a source of pride for many in the country.
British Expeditions to Mount Everest
Over the years, there have been numerous British expeditions to Mount Everest. Some of the most notable include the 1924 expedition led by George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, during which Mallory famously responded to a question about why he wanted to climb Everest by saying, "Because it’s there". Mallory and Irvine never returned from their climb, and it remains unclear whether they made it to the summit or not.
Other notable British expeditions include the 1975 expedition led by Chris Bonington, which saw a team of climbers successfully reach the summit via the southwest face; and the 1996 expedition led by Rob Hall, during which several climbers lost their lives in a tragic accident.
The Peak’s Official Name: Sagarmatha
While Mount Everest is the most commonly used name for the peak, it is known by different names in different countries and cultures. In Nepal, the mountain is known as Sagarmatha, which means "forehead in the sky". This name has been used by the Nepalese government since 1960, and it is recognized internationally as the official name of the mountain.
In Tibet, the mountain is known as Chomolungma, which means "Goddess Mother of the World", the same name that was used by the local Sherpa people before the arrival of British surveyors.
How the British Call Mount Everest
In the UK, the most common name for the mountain is still Mount Everest. However, some people also refer to it as Everest Base Camp or simply Base Camp, which is the starting point for many expeditions to the mountain.
There has been some debate in recent years about whether the name Everest is appropriate, given that it was named after a British colonial official and does not reflect the local names for the mountain. Some people have suggested that the mountain should be referred to as Sagarmatha or Chomolungma instead, as a way of showing respect for the local people and culture.
The Press and Mount Everest
The media has played a significant role in shaping the way that Mount Everest is perceived by the people of England. Coverage of expeditions to the mountain has often been sensationalized, with headlines focusing on the dangers and risks involved in climbing the world’s highest peak.
However, the media has also helped to bring attention to important issues related to Mount Everest, such as the impact of tourism on the local environment and culture, and the dangers faced by local Sherpa guides and porters.
A Matter of Pronunciation
One issue that often comes up in discussions about Mount Everest is how to pronounce the name. In English, the name is typically pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable (EE-ver-est), while in Nepali and Tibetan, the emphasis is on the second syllable (ever-EST).
While there is no right or wrong way to pronounce the name, some people feel that it is important to pronounce it correctly out of respect for the local people and culture.
The Cultural Significance of Everest
Mount Everest has become a cultural icon in England, symbolizing the country’s spirit of exploration and adventure. It is also a symbol of the challenges and risks that come with pushing the limits of human achievement, and of the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
For many people in England, the mountain is also a reminder of the country’s colonial past and its role in the exploration and exploitation of other parts of the world. While some people view the mountain as a source of pride, others see it as a reminder of the legacy of British imperialism.
Pop Culture References to Everest in England
Mount Everest has been referenced in various forms of popular culture in England, from books and movies to music and television. One notable example is the film "Everest" (2015), which tells the story of the 1996 tragedy on the mountain.
Other popular culture references to Everest include the song "Everest" by Public Service Broadcasting, which features samples from a 1953 BBC broadcast about the first successful Everest expedition, and the novel "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer, which recounts his experiences during the 1996 tragedy.
Mount Everest and National Identity
Mount Everest has become a symbol of national identity for many people in England, representing the country’s history of exploration and adventure. However, it is also a reminder of the country’s complicated relationship with other parts of the world, and the need to balance the pursuit of knowledge and achievement with respect for other cultures and traditions.
As the world continues to change and evolve, it is likely that our understanding of Mount Everest and its significance will continue to evolve as well.
Conclusion: Everest and the British Perspective
Mount Everest is a complex and multifaceted symbol for the people of England, representing both pride in the country’s exploration and adventure heritage and a reminder of its colonial past. The name Everest has become synonymous with the mountain, but there are also other names that are recognized as official and culturally significant.
As we continue to explore and study the mountain, it is important to remember the people and cultures that have been there for centuries, and to consider how our actions and attitudes towards the mountain impact those who call it home. Ultimately, Mount Everest represents the challenges and opportunities that come with pushing the limits of human achievement, and the importance of respecting and valuing the natural world and the people who inhabit it.
