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Behind the Aegis

(53,833 posts)
Tue May 5, 2020, 03:16 PM May 2020

Lingo: Around Europe in Sixty Languages

I am currently listening to this book through Audible and it is a really interesting book. The chapters are short and pithy, but there is quite a plethora of interesting tidbits. Ever heard of the Jewish language of Karaim? How about the secret language of gays in the UK, Polari? There are also remarks at the end of the chapter telling the listener what words from that language were adopted (or not) into English. There is also the "lightbulb" which indicates words that exist in the topic language but not in English. There is a word in one language (I can't remember which one right now) for the constant opening and closing of a door and a Portuguese word for someone who crashes funerals for the sole purpose of food and booze.

I posted threads in the Jewish Group about Karaim, and the LGBT Group about Polari, if you are interested to explore a bit further. Do keep in mind both those groups are "groups" and not "forums" so check out the mission statement if you haven't before.

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Lingo: Around Europe in Sixty Languages (Original Post) Behind the Aegis May 2020 OP
Language is fascinating...I especially like the evolution of words. Karadeniz May 2020 #1
I assume the Sorbians were there, upper and lower. Igel May 2020 #2
Sorbian was mentioned. Edit: There is an entire chapter, 31. Behind the Aegis May 2020 #3
Yes, I've read that book. PoindexterOglethorpe Jun 2020 #4

Behind the Aegis

(53,833 posts)
3. Sorbian was mentioned. Edit: There is an entire chapter, 31.
Wed May 6, 2020, 12:12 AM
May 2020

Last edited Wed May 6, 2020, 02:34 AM - Edit history (1)

Prussian hasn't been discussed yet.

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