Constructing a Field Dictionary from Scratch
Imagine being the first outsider to document a language with no written form. How would you create its first-ever dictionary? From pointing at your nose to defining 'untranslatable' cultural concepts,…
Unlocking the Universe of Languages
Imagine being the first outsider to document a language with no written form. How would you create its first-ever dictionary? From pointing at your nose to defining 'untranslatable' cultural concepts,…
For centuries, the Fula language, spoken by over 40 million people, lacked its own native script. In the 1980s, two teenage brothers in Guinea decided to change that, inventing a…
The viral myth claims *mamihlapinatapai* is an untranslatable Yaghan word for a romantic, unspoken look. The truth, however, is far more interesting: it's a perfect example of a polysynthetic language's…
While most of China uses Chinese characters, the Yi people of the southwest have their own unique writing system with a history spanning centuries. Once a complex logographic script used…
Beyond the major Slavic languages like Russian and Polish lie hidden linguistic gems on the brink of extinction. Discover the unique beauty of tongues like Kashubian, Sorbian, and Rusyn, each…
In 1974, UNESCO declared the Manx language extinct with the death of its last native speaker, Ned Maddrell. Yet, this was not the end but the beginning of an extraordinary…
Discover the Fraser alphabet, a remarkable script for the Lisu language where letters are ingeniously rotated to represent different sounds. Created by missionary James O. Fraser and his collaborators, this…
Once officially declared extinct after the death of its last native speaker in the 18th century, the Cornish language (Kernewek) has experienced a remarkable revival against all odds. This is…
On the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, a language isolate with no known relatives is fighting for survival. The Ainu language, with its unique polysynthetic grammar and rich oral traditions…
Every two weeks, a language dies, taking with it a unique way of seeing the world. Meet the "Language Catchers," modern-day linguists racing against time with digital tools and deep…
Introduction The Old Hungarian script, often termed as “runic” due to its superficial resemblance to the Germanic runes, offers a fascinating insight into the early...
Introduction The Welsh Not is a fascinating yet contentious chapter in the history of languages. It was a practice used in some Welsh schools during...
Throughout history, languages have emerged not just as tools for communication, but as powerful symbols of resistance, culture, and community. Among these, Polari stands out...
Many stories surrounding language involve the mystery of deciphering ancient codes, the valor of wartime cryptography, or the mystical origins of universal tongues. However, one...
Ireland’s native language, Irish Gaelic, has seen a fascinating resurgence in recent years. Like a mythical phoenix rising from its ashes, the language, known as...
The Welsh language, or “Cymraeg” as it’s known by its native speakers, is a fascinating tapestry of history, culture, and linguistics. For those unfamiliar with...
Yiddish, a fascinating and complex language, is woven deeply into the rich tapestry of Jewish history. It has played a crucial role in the diaspora...
The Basque language, known as Euskara by its speakers, is surrounded by mystery and intrigue. Rooted in the enigmatic region of the Basque Country —...