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Using words in other languages

What is it called when you use words from a different language?

A loanword (also loan word or loan-word) is a word permanently adopted from one language (the donor language) and incorporated into another language without translation.

Why do people use foreign words?

First, if they do use foreign words and phrases, this can help readers interpret what is being said. It can even help them better understand where the speaker is from. It’s also a great alternative to using foreign language at all.

What is the importance of borrowing words from other languages?

The main reason for borrowing is to provide a word from the source language variety when there is no suitable existing word in the target language. English language, still, continues to expand its vocabulary by means of loanwords from other languages. Content may be subject to copyright.

Does English still borrow words from other languages?

English language has “borrowed” words for centuries. But is it now lending more than it’s taking, asks Philip Durkin, deputy chief editor of the Oxford English Dictionary. English speakers may not be famous for being au fait with foreign languages, but all of us use words taken from other languages every day.

What are some advantages to borrowing words and features of other languages to use in our own?

The benefit is easy to understand: you find words that are familiar to you and you can understand them easily without translating them. You might be surprised about how much of your target language you can understand thanks to shared vocabulary.

Which language has the most borrowed words?

English

Since World War II, English has become by far the leading exporter of “loanwords,” as they’re known, including nearly universal terms like “OK,” “Internet,” and “hamburger.” The extent to which a language loans words is a measure of its prestige, said Martin Haspelmath, a linguist at the Max Planck Institute.

Why does English use so many words from so many languages?

More than in other languages, the evolution English has remained somewhat fluid, allowing for new words to be invented or accepted into the official lexicon. The influence of other languages on English is especially visible in the number of borrowed, or loan, words.

What word is most common in all languages?

That word is “huh”. According to a recent study it seems to be pretty universal. The scientists (in what sounds like an excellent idea for a research trip), recorded bits of informal language from 5 continents, and of the 31 dialects they compiled, all had this same word in common.

What 5 languages make up English?

10 words commonly used in English from 10 different languages

Why did English borrow from French?

Under Norman rule, Anglo-Norman French began to influence the language of administration, law and culture in England, and hence making its mark on the English language. Since then, French phrases and words – funny quirks and all – continued to make their way into the English language.

What words are borrowed from Spanish and used in English?

15 ENGLISH WORDS BORROWED FROM SPANISH

  • Breeze. Spanish word: Brisa. …
  • Ranch. Spanish word: Rancho. …
  • Guerrilla. Spanish word: Guerrilla. …
  • Patio. Spanish word: Patio. …
  • Stampede. Spanish word: Estampida. …
  • Macho. Spanish word: Macho. …
  • Cockroach. Spanish word: Cucaracha. …
  • Avocado. Spanish word: Aguacate.

What Arabic words are used in English?

15 English Words Derived from Arabic



  • Zero. …
  • Algebra. …
  • Adobe. …
  • Safari. …
  • Sofa. …
  • Mattress. …
  • Orange. …
  • Sugar.

What German words are used in English?

8 English words you didn’t know were borrowed from German

  • Lager. Let’s start – in proper German style – with a beer. …
  • Glitch. …
  • Hinterland. …
  • Muesli. …
  • Rucksack. …
  • Noodle. …
  • Nickel. …
  • Delicatessen.