The Word for World is Forest

by

Ursula K. Le Guin

The Word for World is Forest Terms

Asiatiform

Asiatiform is a term used to refer to humans of Asian descent. Because Don Davidson (who’s known for discriminating against other races and species) is the only human to use this term, the novella implies… read analysis of Asiatiform

Athshe/World 41/New Tahiti

Athshe is the name of the planet that Terran colonists inhabit for the duration of the novella. Its native inhabitants are the Athsheans. Human colonists refer to the planet either as “World 41,” which… read analysis of Athshe/World 41/New Tahiti

Athshean

Athshean is the official name for the inhabitants of Athshe. This term is used by the anthropologist Raj Lyubov, whereas other colonists disrespectfully refer to the Athsheans as “creechies.” read analysis of Athshean

Cetian

Cetian is a term used to refer to a race of non-Terran humans. In the novella, Mr. Or is Cetian and accompanies Mr. Lepennon to oversee the colony on World 41. Cetians resemble Terran… read analysis of Cetian

Creechie

Creechie is a derogatory term for the native inhabitants of Athshe, who are otherwise known as Athsheans. The slur is largely used by human soldiers like Don Davidson, who dislike the Athsheans… read analysis of Creechie
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Euraf

Euraf is a term used to refer to humans of European descent. This term is mostly used by Don Davidson, who often derides non-white soldiers. read analysis of Euraf

Hainish/Hainishman

Hainish is a term used to refer to a human from Hain. In the novella, Mr. Lepennon is Hainish and comes to oversee the colony on World 41. The novella implies that the Hainish are… read analysis of Hainish/Hainishman

Terra

Terra is another term for planet Earth. Humans from Terra are called Terrans. read analysis of Terra

Terran

Terran is a term for humans from Terra (Earth), while humans from other planets are non-Terran humans. read analysis of Terran

Yumen

Yumen is the Athsheans’ word for “human.” read analysis of Yumen