An "Untranslatable" Word?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of translatability, specifically examining the Indonesian word "biji," which translates to "seeds" but also signifies a collection of similar items. The distinction between "biji" and "buah" is highlighted, with "buah" meaning "fruit" and also representing collections. The conversation touches on the lack of singular and plural distinctions in many Asian languages and critiques the notion that certain words, like the Danish "hygge," are unique to specific cultures. The complexity of language and cultural interpretation is emphasized throughout the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linguistic concepts such as translatability and cultural context
  • Familiarity with Indonesian vocabulary, specifically "biji," "buah," and "bunga"
  • Knowledge of language structure differences, particularly in Asian languages
  • Awareness of cultural nuances in language, such as the concept of "hygge"
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the linguistic features of Indonesian, focusing on pluralization and word meanings
  • Explore the concept of translatability in linguistics and its implications for language learning
  • Investigate cultural expressions in language, using "hygge" as a case study
  • Study the role of metaphor in language, particularly in Asian languages
USEFUL FOR

Linguists, language learners, cultural anthropologists, and anyone interested in the complexities of translation and cultural expression in language.

  • #31
Indeed. It's a "world-language" although we rarely see it as such over here..
 
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  • #32
What about “Irony?”

Not the easiest word to define in English, so I would be interested in your versions.

Also, German “schadenfreude” we do not have an English equivalent, so we use it as is.
 
  • #33
What about the difference between "irony" and "sarcasm"? It's like the latter is a more wicked version of the former...

As for "schadenfreude": In Danish we use the Danish translation "skadefryd" (literally the same). Then again Danish is very close to German, if not an actual subset.
 
  • #34
My all time favorite is 'idiota', an almost internationally, western world, agreed upon word.
In my youth, I dissected the word into 'id' and 'iota', words meaning 'something to do with the brain' and 'very, very, small'.
Unfortunately, 'idiot' is so ancient, that no one seems to know its actual origin.
 
  • #35
Watch out. A lot of these words have become faux pas with the #metoo era. "Retard" (perhaps "imbecile" too) is considered more pejorative, even bigoted, than before. Specifically, "mulatto" is now (and perhaps always has been) comparable to the N-word.
 

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