The idea of loan words is interesting to me as we have read that borrowing is not considered code switching, it is however the usage of words from one language’s lexicon to another. What happens when in one language, there is a word that supplies more meaning or significance than the same word in another language? I can think of a couple examples. In English, we have the word “performance,” a word which encompasses a range of different meanings, ideas and usages. I can only think of two words in Spanish that can be used for the word “performance” and that is “teatralización” and “espectáculo,” both which have a limited number of uses compared to the English usage of the word “performance.” Likewise, in Spanish I can think of a similar example with the word “piedad.” In English, we have the words "piety" and "devotion," and again the usages are lacking when these words are used in English compared to that of the Spanish usage. This seems to happen more often than not, and these were two examples that came to mind ... What do you guys think? Other ideas, opinions, or examples?
I think that the meanings that a word may have in one lang may be part of the myriad of reasons they're borrowed into another. I think you nailed it on the head.
ResponderBorrarYes, I agree with you and Damián. If they didn't differ in meaning like you have said, then we wouldn't feel the need to borrow! Some jokes and sayings just don't come out the same way when you translate them from one language to the other. Whether it be for rhyming reasons or the syllables in the sentence, words don't always carry the same meaning. Great post, I had never thought of this in this much detail... Now borrowing makes a lot more sense.
ResponderBorrar