Etymology
Kiribati is derived from Gilbertese, the native language of the island nation.
Meaning
There are two possible interpretations for the meaning of Kiribati:
Origin
Land of Kiribati Interpretation:
This interpretation suggests that Kiribati comes from the phrase "Te I-Kiribati," which means "the people of Kiribati." The prefix "Te" indicates a collective noun, and "I-Kiribati" refers to the inhabitants of the Gilbert Islands.
Christmas Island Interpretation:
This interpretation is based on the fact that Kiribati's main island, Tarawa, was discovered by British explorer Captain James Cook on Christmas Eve in 1777. Cook named the island "Christmas Island," and the name was later extended to include the entire archipelago.
Official Name
The official name of the country is Republic of Kiribati. It was adopted after the nation gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979.
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Etymology Kiribati is derived from Gilbertese the native language of the island nation
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Etymology Kiribati is derived from Gilbertese the native language of the island nation
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