Lexical Gaps Across Languages
Ever wonder why German has a word for taking pleasure in someone else's misfortune (*Schadenfreude*), but English doesn't? This post explores these "lexical gaps"—concepts that are easily expressed in one…
Tag: untranslatable words
Constructing a Field Dictionary from Scratch
Imagine being the first outsider to document a language with no written form. How would you create its first-ever dictionary? From pointing at your nose to defining 'untranslatable' cultural concepts,…
The One-Word Language Myth: Yaghan
The viral myth claims *mamihlapinatapai* is an untranslatable Yaghan word for a romantic, unspoken look. The truth, however, is far more interesting: it's a perfect example of a polysynthetic language's…
Translating Poetry’s Untranslatable Soul
Translating poetry is far more than swapping words; it's an art of re-creation. How do you capture a rhyme, a rhythm, or a culturally-specific metaphor without losing the original's soul?…
Exploring the Untranslatable: Unique Concepts in the German Language
The German language, steeped in rich history and nuanced cultural practices, is famous for its unique expressions and idiosyncrasies. Some phrases encapsulate feelings or ideas...