Yeah, names are complicated. Nuke preferred to use alternative names: Kahire and the Jin names are his. I just defaulted to English names because it's simpler to update and easier on the players.
But there is another reason I decided against it. The proposed Philippines name and the use of Italian names in Egypt are good examples. In the former case, the problem is that there's no guarantee Tagalog will have the same importance as in OTL and I find it strange that the chosen word would be one that Tagalog speakers wouldn't have used. I do accept the need for a name change for the Philippines because it's obviously silly. But I would tend to prefer a Japanese word which would make sense given the fluff. In the latter case, the "Italians" in Egypt are speaking Napoletano. It would also be rather different in TTL because it has a rich written tradition and a generous patron in government keen to promote it.
Having said all that, I will accept name changes when there's a compelling reason to make a change. The Philippines is an example. Using non-Turkish names in Anatolia is. If a St Petersburg analogue existed, it would be another. Using the Japanese word for Korea wouldn't pass the test. Neither would Italian words for Egypt generally. Incidentally I think using Kahire was a good choice because it shows how it's only a minor provincial town in TTL. Had it been more important it might have been renamed.
Spelling problem noted. One thing you missed is the hilariously inconsistent titling/naming of nobles.
But there is another reason I decided against it. The proposed Philippines name and the use of Italian names in Egypt are good examples. In the former case, the problem is that there's no guarantee Tagalog will have the same importance as in OTL and I find it strange that the chosen word would be one that Tagalog speakers wouldn't have used. I do accept the need for a name change for the Philippines because it's obviously silly. But I would tend to prefer a Japanese word which would make sense given the fluff. In the latter case, the "Italians" in Egypt are speaking Napoletano. It would also be rather different in TTL because it has a rich written tradition and a generous patron in government keen to promote it.
Having said all that, I will accept name changes when there's a compelling reason to make a change. The Philippines is an example. Using non-Turkish names in Anatolia is. If a St Petersburg analogue existed, it would be another. Using the Japanese word for Korea wouldn't pass the test. Neither would Italian words for Egypt generally. Incidentally I think using Kahire was a good choice because it shows how it's only a minor provincial town in TTL. Had it been more important it might have been renamed.
Spelling problem noted. One thing you missed is the hilariously inconsistent titling/naming of nobles.
