Cranks in other languages and cultures

  • Context: Lingusitics 
  • Thread starter Thread starter cronxeh
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the presence of "cranks" or fringe theorists in various cultures and languages, particularly focusing on examples from Russian forums and inquiries into similar phenomena in Chinese, Indian, and other cultures. The conversation touches on the cultural aspects of fringe theories and their representation in media.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of finding a "crank" on a Russian forum, suggesting that every culture has individuals who reinterpret established scientific ideas despite experimental evidence.
  • Another participant notes that Russia and ex-Soviet states contribute significantly to fringe theories, comparing their media to sensationalist outlets in other countries.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the term "crank," indicating a lack of understanding of the term's meaning.
  • Another participant provides a translation of "crackpot" in Dutch, introducing a linguistic aspect to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the prevalence and cultural representation of cranks, but there is no consensus on specific examples or the implications of these phenomena across different cultures.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific examples from Chinese, Indian, or other cultures, and relies heavily on anecdotal evidence from Russian forums. Definitions of terms like "crank" are not universally agreed upon.

cronxeh
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So since I also speak Russian I've decided to see if there are forums like PF in Russia(n) - and I've stumbled upon one, and on that forum I've found - you guessed it - a crank! It seems to me in every culture there is a devoted group of ignoramuses who, despite the experimental results, will provide their own interpretation to already tested and accepted ideas.

http://phorum.lebedev.ru/viewtopic.php?t=15

Does anyone have any examples from Chinese, Indian, and other languages and cultures of crankpots?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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cronxeh said:
So since I also speak Russian I've decided to see if there are forums like PF in Russia(n) - and I've stumbled upon one, and on that forum I've found - you guessed it - a crank!

Russia and other ex-Soviet states are generating much of the wacky fringe stuff seen in this country today. Pravda and other papers are now pretty much on par with the National Enquirer, and even Tass has published some of the silly stuff.
 
What's a crank?
 
Smurf said:
What's a crank?

Typically, a hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle.
 
crackpot in dutch: kwakzalver
 

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