What are the different connotations of motherland and fatherland? NOAD defines both as "a person's native country," though it adds "esp. when referred to in patriotic terms" for fatherland. The words, though, are not one. How are they different? Do they convey different meanings? Are they affected by other languages which use gendered equivalents–as in, is fatherland influenced by Spanish patria, etc?
Before you start yelling duplicate! I am aware of the previous question "Homeland" vs. "motherland" vs. "fatherland". The answers there, though, only differentiate motherland and fatherland from homeland; they make no distinction between the gendered terms.
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I am wrestling with this question at the moment in writing about Portugal: it seems to be a matter of semantics. In the English language, one generally refers "motherland," coupling it with the female "she" in reference. Ex: "Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering ..." (Cecil Spring Rice, Urbs Dei, 1908) and also Britannia herself. In Portugal it seems "fatherland" is preferred when talking of one's homeland in general terms, but "a minha terra" - feminine - when placing oneself within the country. The difference may seem slight, but it is curious that "fatherland" tends to denote pride and a even a hint of militarism, whereas "motherland" as used in English invokes the concept of a mother's comforting love.
I am currently trying to explore this in a little more detail with academic colleagues in Portugal.