Lingua Teddi 24-25

LINGUISTIC EXPRESSIONISM

Language is more than just a tool for communication: it is a window into culture. Each language has its own flare, emotion, and ways of perceiving words or sayings. Some words in different languages do not have a direct translation or an English equivalent. This is especially true in romance languages – French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese – as the art of expression stems from the cultures using these languages. For instance, the Spanish word Sobremesa captures the essence of lingering at the table after a meal and engaging in relaxed conversation. This term represents the togetherness and companionship, the joy of shared moments, all of which go beyond a simple after-dinner conversation. Meanwhile, the Italian language provides us with the term Menefreghismo , which resembles the English word ‘nonchalant’. The Italian term, however, reflects that attitude but turns it into an art form. Saudade in Portuguese offers a word that involves a deep, melancholic feeling of longing for something or someone that is not present. With bittersweet connotations, it’s a cross between nostalgia and hope that is heartfelt by humans. All of these words above are unique to their own languages and give us an insight into the diverse and clever ways these cultures allow individuals to express themselves. These specificities reflect the identity of people and place and play a key role in shaping how languages have colour, nuance, and a greater sense of belonging to everyday questions. Registers also allow individuals to express themselves in different ways and play a big part in keeping alive the ever-evolving, dynamic nature of communication. Formal elements of a language are not always able to capture attitudes and social contexts, which does not always allow speakers to express themselves with more authenticity. The well-known and commonly used English term hang out suggests a relaxed, informal gathering among friends whereas the formal term reunion would give a solemn air to the same event. As a whole, expressionism is crucial to a language, and it definitely goes far beyond the definition of ‘expression’.

BY OLIVIA DAWKES (D), LOWER SIXTH

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