Aerith/Aeris -- Which is Right?

by Dustin Perrault

This problem has been bothering me for a while: There has been lots of contention as to which one of these are correct. Thus, I wrote this editorial to try to give both of the major points for each group.

The main point of the Aeris group is that both the Japanese version AND the North American version call her Aeris. As such, they believe it is Aeris, and will stand by this name and defend it mercilessly. I've seen more people complain that "It's Aeris, not Aerith" than the other way around, and they usually proclaim this until the person says "ok, it's Aeris." I know from experience. I still prefer Aerith to Aeris. If you wish to flame me for it, than so be it.

The main point of the Aerith group is a major one, however: The Japanese don't have a "TH" combination in their alphabet. When Japanese DO have a word using the "TH" combination, they put it as an "s" instead. Thus, this group stands beside the point that if it is Aerith, it should have been spelled as Aeris anyway. This is the main problem between the contention: no one can agree as to whether the S indicated a TH sound, or an S sound. From what I understand, the only way to be able to tell which one it is would be to ask Squaresoft of Japan, and which of us wants to do that?

Therefore, until Squaresoft of Japan tells us, neither is wrong, and neither is right. The truth is, it could be either, so until then, let's just agree to disagree and waste space with all the flaming.