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Podcasts about languages and words
Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. There are new language pages about: Dangme, a Kwa language spoken in southeastern Ghana. Foodo (Fóodo), a Kwa language spoken mainly in northern Benin. Nkonya (Nkunyá), a Kwa language spoken in southeastern Ghana. New constructed script: Harahap – Toge Na Rata, which was created by Pardomuan Haraha…
In this episode we’re diving into words for river. A Proto-Celtic word for river was *abonā/*abū, which comes from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep- (water, body of water) [Source]. Related words in Celtic language include: abhainn [əunʲ/oːn̠ʲ] = river in Irish abhainn [a.ɪn̪ʲ] = river or stream in Scottish awin [ˈawənʲ] = river in Manx afon [ˈavɔn] =…
In this Adventure we’re finding a safe haven and other peaceful places. A haven [ˈheɪvən] is: A harbour or anchorage protected from the sea A place of safety A peaceful place It comes from Middle English haven(e), from Old English hæfen [ˈxæ.fen] (inlet, harbour, port), from Proto-Germanic *hab(a)nō [ˈxɑ.βɑ.nɔː] (harbour, haven), from PIE *kh₂p(ó)n…
Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New constructed script: Ukaliq, a universal alphabet created by Henrik Theling that could be used to write any language. New adapted script: Nasema (ߣߊߛߍߡߊ), a method of writing Swahili with the N’Ko alphabet devised by Allison Powell. There are new language pages about: Abidji, a Kwa language spok…
In this episode we are looking into words for field, quay and related things. The Proto-Celtic word *kagyom means a pen or enclosure. It comes from the Proto-Indo-European *kagʰyóm (enclosure) [Source]. Related words in modern Celtic language include: cai [ˈalˠə] = field, orchard or crop in Old Irish cae [ˈalarχ/ˈaːlarχ] = hedge, hedgerow, fence; f…
In this Adventure we are uncovering the origins of the word chemise and related items of clothing. A chemise [ʃəˈmiːz] is: A short nightdress, or similar piece of lingerie A woman’s dress that fits loosely A wall that lines the face of a bank or earthwork A loose shirtlike undergarment, especially for women (historical) It comes from French chemise…
Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New constructed script: Verbeħen, which was created by EBT to write a constructed language being developed for fun. It was inspired by the roundness and curviness of Georgian Mkhedruli letters (მხედრული). New adapted script: Maldivian Arabic, which is a way to write Maldivian (Dhivehi) with the Ara…
In this Adventure we are being indirect and circuitous and looking for an angle on the word obtuse. Obtuse [əbˈtjuːs] means: Blunt, pointed or acute in form More than 90° and less than 180° Intellectually dull or dim-witted Deadened, muffled or mutted (sound) Indirect or circuitous Obtuse comes from Middle French obtus (obtuse, boring, dull, lifele…
In this episode we are looking into words for swan. In Proto-Celtic word for swan was *eli-, which comes from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁el- (swan, bird, waterfowl) [Source]. Related words in modern Celtic language include: eala [ˈalˠə] = swan in Irish eala [jal̪ˠə] = swan in Scottish Gaelic olla(y) = (mute) swan in Manx alarch [ˈalarχ/ˈaːlarχ] = s…
Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. There are new language pages about: Burarra (Gu-jingarliya), an Arnhem language spoken in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. Limbum, an Eastern Grassfields language spoken mainly in Cameroon, and also in Nigeria Yankunytjatjara, a Pama-Nyungan language spoken in South Australia. Th…
