In Other Words: A Language Lover's Guide to the Most Intriguing Words Around the World

by C.J. Moore

Book Overview

Why do we say bete noir and not 'black beast', doppelganger and not 'double goer'? When is it that meanings become lost in translation and it is simply more satisfying to use the original? This... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802714447
• ISBN13: 9780802714442
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Walker Books
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Lighten up, everyone!

And try translating my title into a foreign language. I read this informative little book while using a friend's bathroom (the perfect setting), and I must say, I enjoyed it immensely. I looked through the Italian, a language that I do speak, and recognized all the expressions except for "attaccabottoni," literally a button attacher, but figuratively, someone who sticks like glue to one, at a party for instance. Such idioms are fun, as well as important (I'll never forget trying to explain in Italian that commercial American bread [as opposed to Italian] is full of preservatives, and learning the hard way, as my friends were rolling around on the floor with laughter, that I had just informed everyone that American bread was full of condoms!). The proper word for food preservatives is "conservanti". My German friend, to whom the book "In Other Words" belongs, had never heard of the word "Drachenfutter," but he thought it was hysterically funny (My favorite is "Katzenjammer" [literally "cats yammering"; figuratively "a hangover!"]). Some other favorite Italian expressions that might have gone into the book:"Hai la faccia tosta!" (Lit. "You have the toasted face!" Figuratively, "You have more nerve than a brass monkey!" Or "naufragio," literally, "shipwreck," used in reference to a lousy party; or "bomba"--"bomb," which signifies a play or movie that is a hit (while in America, it means just the opposite). Admittedly, these expressions are from the 80s & 90s, so they could have changed by now, but they are still fun. The Italian language is likewise fun the other way around, as Italian is translated literally into English. I once went into a park in Urbino, where a sign informed me in Italian not to bring dogs or bicycles onto the premises ("non introdurre cani e biciclette"). In the English translation, written below the Italian, the word "introdurre" was rendered literally: "Do not introduce dogs and bicycles!" (In other words I was apparently being instructed not to introduce Fido to Super Flyer!). And signs warning against carrying bulky objects on crowded buses are kindly translated into English as "Do not introduce molesting objects!" Only those who have found themselves crammed like kippers into a Roman 64 bus to the Vatican will know the irony of those words! As for the English slang "cool," the closest I've come to it in Italian is "In gamba!" Literally "in leg" but figuratively "on the ball!" 'In Other Words" is not meant to be the last word on the subject, but rather, an entertainment. Enjoy it as such!

A feast of insights

This is a wonderfully enriching collection of juicy words from cultures around the world. The author is to be commended for the breadth of his trolling in the waters of many nations to bring together this feast of insights - into national and cultural diversities, humor, pathos, and creativity, suggesting aspects of the human condition that we may have overlooked, and enhancing our appreciation of life in its infinite variations. Here are but a few of the many new terms I learned: Drachenfutter [drach-ern-foot-er] (noun) Meaning the "dragon fodder," this is the offering German husbands make to their wives-breathing raging fire at the cave entrance-when they've stayed out late or they have otherwise engaged in some kind of inappropriate behavior. A nice box of chocolates, or some flowers perhaps to mask the beer fumes. (German; p. 27) ilunga [ee-lun-ga] (noun) This word from the Tshiluba language of the Republic of Congo has topped a list drawn up with the help of one thousand translators as the most untranslatable word in the world. It describes a person who is ready to forgive any transgression a first time and then to tolerate it for a second time, but never for a third time. (African - Tshiluba; p. 79) Caim [kyem] (noun) The word means literally `a sanctuary.' It's an imaginary circle made around the body with the hand. It serves as a ring of protection. (Scottish/Gaelic/Irish; p. 112) sian [shee-ern] (noun) Soft and sorrowful music full of enchantment, which can be heard coming from a fairy knoll. (Irish; p. 113)

The inner workings of language

Christopher Moore has produced a small but significant work with "In Other Words"....how certain words and phrases from other languages can't simply be translated (or not at all). Moore's book is at the same time charming and expansive in its scope. From Western European languages to those that are indigenous, the author has looked into just about every nook and cranny to find words that convey a certain feeling in their native tongue but not in others. One is struck by the number of languages that have multiple words that deal with love, emotions or inner peace. These examples are arresting when compared to English. Moore's humor is very much in evidence throughout and one line I laughed out loud about was this one, (referring to the Danes' description of their own speech) "det er inget sprak, det er en halsinfektion"- ("it's no language, it's a throat infection!") Another favorite was the Italian word, "attaccabottone" which refers to a bore who buttonholes you with "long tales of woe". The author also refers to words that have taken on meanings different from their original definition. Words like "macho" and "chaos" are two examples. He warns us also to be careful using certain words and phrases....in one tongue they might mean one thing...in another, quite something else. "In Other Words" is a most enjoyable book and I urge readers who have an interest in languages (and the quirkiness that surrounds them) to pick up a copy. It's an easy read and one that is bound to enlighten and put a smile on your face.

A Classy Gem

A beautiful little book of high production quality with enchanting engraving-style artwork to complement the subject matter. The author shows even the most ardent word lovers that although English has borrowed words shamelessly from other languages over the centuries, there is still room to borrow some more. With a wit that is sometimes parchingly dry he offers us words that DO translate, those that translate only with detailed explanations and even words over which he himself despairs. The book has been criticised as inaccurate. This is a pedantic response that might be justified if the work was being sold as a phrasebook or an English - (name-your-language) dictionary; but it's not. Instead it is a delightful little volume that can be browsed at leisure and kept tucked in the living room bookshelf to add spice to small gatherings. The humanistic tone of In Other Words makes its author's dignified response to his critics no surprise.

Lost in Translation?

Moore gives us an intriguing look into what's lost when another language gets "translated" into English. Entertaining as well as educational, because we get a glimpse into culture in addition to speech.