Etymology #7: The greatest mistranslations ever

By | April 7, 2023

Translation is an essential part of communication between different cultures and languages. Whether it is for business, diplomacy, or entertainment, translation can be a powerful tool to bridge gaps and foster mutual understanding. However, translation is also a delicate and complex process that requires skill and attention to detail. Even the smallest mistake can result in a mistranslation… Read More »

Rare Languages #7: Dzongkha

By | April 2, 2023

Nestled in the Himalayan Mountains lies the small, landlocked country of Bhutan, where the national language is Dzongkha. With around 250,000 speakers, Dzongkha is not one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan and is also spoken in India, primarily in the neighboring state of Sikkim. Dzongkha is the… Read More »

Etymology #6: Colors in Different Languages and How Language Shapes Our Perception of the World

By | March 31, 2023

Colors are an essential part of human experience, and they have played a significant role in our cultural and linguistic history. While colors may be universal, their meanings and interpretations vary from culture to culture. The relationship between language and color perception has long been a topic of interest for linguists and psychologists. One of the most famous… Read More »

Language History #6: Language enclaves

By | March 29, 2023

Language enclaves, also known as linguistic enclaves or language islands, are areas or regions where a particular language is spoken, surrounded by a different language or languages. These enclaves can exist for a variety of reasons, including migration patterns, historical events, and political boundaries. They can range from small villages to entire regions or countries. One of the… Read More »

Rare Languages #6: Basque

By | March 26, 2023

The Basque language, also known as Euskara, is a unique language that is spoken in a region of Europe that straddles the border between France and Spain. It is one of the few surviving pre-Indo-European languages in Europe and has a rich and complex history. Basque is a language isolate, which means that it is not related to… Read More »

Etymology #5: Place names and their origins

By | March 24, 2023

Place names are more than just labels on a map. They are often rooted in history and can reveal insights into the culture, language, and geography of a region. In this article, we will explore the origins of place names and their linguistic significance. The origins of place names can be traced back to a variety of sources.… Read More »

Language History #5: Latin Today

By | March 22, 2023

Latin, an ancient language that was spoken in ancient Rome and throughout the Roman Empire, is often thought of as a dead language. However, the truth is that Latin is far from dead. It is still relevant today and continues to have a significant impact on modern society in numerous ways. For starters, Latin is the foundation of… Read More »

Rare Languages #5: Khoekhoegowab

By | March 19, 2023

Khoekhoegowab, also known as Khoekhoe language or Nama, is a language spoken by the Khoikhoi people in Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. It is one of the few languages in the world that uses clicks as part of its phonetic system, which has made it a source of curiosity for linguists and language enthusiasts alike. In this article,… Read More »

Etymology #4: How “Cool” Became Mainstream

By | March 17, 2023

Language is constantly evolving, and one of the most fascinating examples of this evolution is the way in which slang words become mainstream. One such word is “cool,” a ubiquitous term that has become a staple of modern language. But where did this word come from, and how did it achieve its current status? In English, the word… Read More »