How do we call (something) in English??

Question

Is it really wrong to say "How do we call something in English?" instead of "What do we call something in English?"? The former's not unusual in Philippine English at all (probably it's because of the influence of Spanish, which was the national language for almost 400 years). Indeed, it's quite interesting that in many European languages, they tend to say "how". Anyone who can explain this? Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

This is a great question. Your take on the Spanish influence on Philippine English is spot on.

Yes, it is incorrect in standard American English to ask, “How do you call (something)?” The correct form of the question is, “What do you call (something)?”

For example:

Q - What do you call the tool used to hit nails into wood?

A - A hammer

The word “how” can be used with the verb “say” when requesting a translation of a specific word.

For example:

Q - How do you say, “hello” in French?

A - Bonjour

Confusion on this issue relates to direct translations of other languages. For example, native speakers of American English say, “My name is Mary” while Spanish speakers say, “Me llamo Mary.” The direct translation of the Spanish is, “I call myself Mary.” Similarly, native English speakers ask, “What is your name?” while the direct translation of the common Spanish expression, “Como te llamas?” is, “How do you call yourself?”

Note that the expression, “How do you call...?” is correctly used in standard American English for situations involving attempts to use communication devices.

For example:

Q — “How do you call someone on Skype?”

A — “First you need to add the person’s Skype address to your contact list. Then s/he needs to accept your invitation. Finally, you type the address and click the green call button. “

Another example:

Q - How do you call the front desk from this phone?

A - Dial #0.