How Do You Spell MONA PASSAGE?

Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊnə pˈasɪd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The Mona Passage is a strait located in the Caribbean Sea that separates the islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. It is pronounced as /ˈmoʊnə ˈpæsədʒ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "mo" is pronounced as "moh" and the second syllable "na" is pronounced as "nuh". The word "passage" is pronounced as "pæsədʒ" where the "a" is pronounced as "æ" and the "s" is followed by a soft "zh" sound. Proper spelling of this word is important to accurately communicate location and direction in the Caribbean region.

MONA PASSAGE Meaning and Definition

1. The Mona Passage refers to a stretch of water that connects the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Primarily located between the islands of Hispaniola (comprising the nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and Puerto Rico, the Mona Passage is approximately 130 miles in width at its widest point. It is a key maritime route for vessels traveling between the eastern United States and the Panama Canal, as well as for ships traveling to and from ports in the Caribbean and South America.

   Named after the Mona Islands (part of Puerto Rico) that lie within the passage, the area is characterized by strong ocean currents, unpredictable weather conditions, and deep waters. These factors, combined with its strategic location, make the Mona Passage a challenging area for navigation. The passage is also known for its rich biodiversity, serving as a crucial habitat for marine life, including various species of fish, dolphins, and sea turtles.

   Aside from its economic and ecological significance, the Mona Passage has historical and cultural importance as well. It has witnessed numerous historical events, including indigenous Amerindian migrations, European exploration, and the transatlantic slave trade. Additionally, the passage has shaped the identity and influenced the traditions of the local populations of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.

Etymology of MONA PASSAGE

The word "Mona Passage" consists of two components: "Mona" and "passage".

"Mona" derives from the Taino language, which was spoken by the indigenous people of the Caribbean islands. The Taino were the original inhabitants of the region, including the island of Hispaniola, which is now split between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In the Taino language, "mona" means "island". The word specifically referred to the island of Mona, which is located between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

"Passage" is an English word that comes from the Old French term "passage", meaning "way" or "passageway". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "passus", which means "step" or "pace".