We have a rather multilingual family. We say goodnight in one of four languages – English, Portuguese, Hebrew, or Greek. As I’ve learned more about languages, and more languages, I’ve realized that while there may be a word for every aspect of the human experience, those words aren’t all in the same language. NPR had a story about just that earlier this summer – How Do You Say …? For Some Words, There’s No Easy Translation.
The Portuguese word “saudade” is one such word. It takes a whole phrase or two to convey it in English. It’s like homesickness, but not necessarily for home. Portuguese uses different words for different types of knowing and different types of being. And the word “mesmo” can be used for a lot of different situations.
Languages are how we interact with the world around us. That world influences the development of that language. Learning the language of a place helps you get a feel of the world of that language. It’s fascinating.
I am an educator and PhD. I quilt, belly dance, run, read, and try to grow things. I am a Mormon. I am infertile. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter, friend, wife, and mom.
Brett L. Dennis
Mama g
Giggles
AmandaStretch
We are learning the language here. “I need to get gone.” 🙂
The Book of Mormon has been criticized for its use of the French-derived word “adieu” at the end of the Book of Jacob. I’ve tried to come up with a word that would have conveyed the same sentiment, and I’ve concluded there isn’t one. I think another verse in the Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:34, conveys the same idea, but it uses over 50 words to do it. :brett: