How Do You Spell MIDDLE-PASSAGE?

Pronunciation: [mˈɪdə͡lpˈasɪd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The spelling of the term "middle-passage" is pronounced as /ˈmɪdəl ˈpæsɪdʒ/. The term refers to the transatlantic journey taken by enslaved Africans to the Americas during the 16th to 19th centuries. The word is made up of two words, "middle" and "passage." The /ɪ/ sound in "middle" is spelled using the letter "i" while the /æ/ sound in "passage" is spelled using the letter "a." The correct spelling of the term is essential for historical accuracy and respect towards the enslaved Africans who endured the brutal journey.

MIDDLE-PASSAGE Meaning and Definition

  1. The middle passage refers to a significant historical period in which enslaved African people were forcibly transported across the Atlantic Ocean from West Africa to the Americas. The term specifically denotes the second leg of the triangular trade system, which occurred between the 16th and 19th centuries. It originated from the capture and forced migration of Africans by European slave traders, who transported them from various West African ports to destinations primarily in the Americas, including North America, the Caribbean, and South America.

    This arduous and inhumane journey was called the middle passage due to its position in the larger triangular trade route, which consisted of three legs: the first leg involved European ships traveling to Africa to exchange goods for enslaved people, the second leg constituted the gruesome transatlantic voyage of the captured Africans, and the third leg was when the Europeans returned to their home countries with valuable commodities acquired from the New World.

    The middle passage was characterized by extreme brutality, degradation, and loss of life. Enslaved Africans were tightly packed onto ships in cramped and unsanitary conditions, with little to no regard for their welfare. They endured long voyages lasting weeks or even months, subjected to diseases, malnutrition, sexual abuse, and physical violence. Mortality rates were high, and countless men, women, and children died due to the deplorable conditions on board.

    The middle passage remains a dark and tragic chapter in the history of slavery, representing the ruthless commodification and dehumanization of African people, as well as the systematic cruelty inflicted upon them during their forced journey to the New World.

  2. In the slave trade, the part of the Atlantic Ocean lying between Africa and the West Indies.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MIDDLE-PASSAGE

  • middle-passawe
  • middle-passaoe
  • middle-passace
  • middle-passaee
  • middle-passagu
  • middle-passagm
  • middle-passaga
  • middle-passagg
  • m iddle-passage
  • mi ddle-passage
  • mid dle-passage
  • midd le-passage
  • middl e-passage
  • middle-pa ssage
  • middle-pas sage
  • middle-pass age
  • middle-passa ge
  • middle-passag e

Etymology of MIDDLE-PASSAGE

The term "middle passage" primarily refers to the sea journey that enslaved Africans were forced to undertake from Africa to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. As such, it does not have a typical linguistic etymology because it is a descriptive phrase rather than a word with a specific origin.

The phrase "middle passage" is derived from the fact that the transatlantic journey took place in the middle section of the triangular trade route between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It was the second leg of the journey, following the outward voyage from Europe to Africa with manufactured goods, and preceding the final leg from the Americas back to Europe with raw materials and slave-produced goods.

It is important to note that the term "middle passage" is a historical term used to describe the horrific conditions and experiences of enslaved Africans during their forced transportation.

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