Talibans

Etymology

In English, the spelling Taliban has gained predominance over the spelling Taleban. In American English, the definite article is used; the group is referred to as "the Taliban" rather than "Taliban". In English-language media in Pakistan, the definite article is always omitted. Both Pakistani and Indian English-language media tend to name the group "Afghan Taliban", thus distinguishing it from the Pakistani Taliban. Additionally, in Pakistan, the word Talibans is often used when referring to more than one Taliban member. The group is also sometimes referred to as the Taliban Islamic Movement or Islamic Movement of Taliban, and often refers to itself by the name of the government it operates, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.