The spelling of the term "western hemisphere" is quite straightforward. In the IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈwɛstərn ˈhɛmɪˌsfɪr/. The first syllable "west" is pronounced with a short "e" sound /ɛ/ and the second syllable "ern" with a schwa sound /ə/. The stress falls on the first syllable. The second word "hemisphere" has a long "i" sound /i/ in the second syllable and is stressed on the third syllable. Altogether, the pronunciation of "western hemisphere" is /ˈwɛstərn ˈhɛmɪˌsfɪr/.
The Western Hemisphere refers to the half of the Earth that lies west of the Prime Meridian and east of the International Date Line. It encompasses the continents of North and South America, along with their surrounding islands and waters in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This vast region is also sometimes referred to as the New World.
Geographically, the Western Hemisphere spans approximately 392 million square kilometers, making it the larger of the two hemispheres. It is bordered to the east by the Eastern Hemisphere and shares a significant portion of its boundary with the Western Hemisphere along the 180-degree longitude line.
Within the Western Hemisphere lie numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru, among others. These nations are known for their diverse cultures, languages, and histories. The Western Hemisphere is also marked by various geographical features, such as the Grand Canyon, Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, and Niagara Falls.
Furthermore, the Western Hemisphere holds strategic and economic importance as a hub for international trade and commerce. It serves as a major player in global politics and has witnessed significant historical events and interactions between different civilizations. Ultimately, the Western Hemisphere showcases a rich mixture of cultures, landscapes, and opportunities for exploration and collaboration.
The word "western" comes from the Old English word "westerne", which derived from the Proto-Germanic word "westrōną". This is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *wes-, meaning "evening" or "the direction in which the sun sets".
The term "hemisphere" comes from the combination of the Greek words "hemi", meaning "half", and "sphaira", meaning "sphere". It refers to half of a sphere or globe.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "western hemisphere" combines the concept of the westerly direction with the idea of one half of a sphere or globe. It is used to refer to the half of the Earth that lies to the west of the Prime Meridian, which is the line of longitude designated as 0 degrees.