Looted! Indian words in the English language

As we have mentioned before the English language has grown and developed over centuries, and although based on Germanic languages, it has borrowed words and phrases from all over the place, mixed them all together and the result is the language we know today. As a matter of interest I thought I would look at some examples of words that originated in India and are now part of our everyday conversations.  Many of these words were incorporated into the English language in the days of the British rule in India and I wonder how many of us realize just how many Indian words we have “stolen”!

I mean, how terribly upper class English is it to play polo whilst wearing ones jodhpurs? Wrong, both polo and jodhpurs have their origins in India – jodhpurs being the type of trousers traditionally worn by Indian men.  Along the same lines we also have gymkhana – a term in English speaking countries which refers to an equestrian event showing the training and grooming of horses but was originally used to describe a place where any sporting events took place.

I wonder how many of us are wearing a bangle – that’s another one, or are lounging in our pyjamas or dungarees – yes both of these also have their origins in India! Have you ever wondered if you (or someone else) are going doolally?  Did you realize this phrase, meaning to go mad, originated from when British troops were stationed in a town called Deolali before being sent home – and were known to develop “camp fever” from boredom!

The list just goes on and on, and includes bungalow, shampoo, shawl, thug, verandah and jungle, to name just a few.  One of my favourites has got to be juggernaut, which in my ignorance I thought was a fairly modern term. Boy was I wrong!  The term actually dates back to the 17^th Century and is inspired by the followers of Vishnu and the Jagannath Temple in Odisha. Every year they hold Ratha Yatra, a chariot procession, where thousands of devotees pull huge carts through the streets carrying enormous, religious icons.

Turning to food and drink we also find punch – one of my favourite party drinks!  The word originates from the Hindu and Urdu word for five and was historically made from five ingredients: alcohol, sugar, lemon, tea and spices.  Then again who does not enjoy a hot toddy when feeling cold and snuffly?  Recipes for these are varied but usually include whisky, water, lemon and honey and are always served hot. It is believed that the name originated from the Indian drink toddy which is an alcoholic Palm wine.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the Indian words adopted into the English language – I just picked out the ones that made me smile!  Finding out about the origins of words and how language evolves is certainly a real eye opener!     

If you would like help with your written English, please visit our website  www.writtenenglishcorrected.com

Tongue-twisting tourist treks

This week I have definitely been thinking about summer holidays!  Not sure why, perhaps it’s just the weather, I mean snow in March – what’s that all about? Whatever the reason, a relaxing summer holiday has certainly been on my mind.   Then I thought as we have been enjoying looking at long words over the last couple of weeks I wonder where we could end up if we chose a holiday destination purely by the length of a place name.

Okay, so a little bit of research later, and I discovered that it could be on a hill in North Island, New Zealand.  According to the Guinness World Records, this hill has the longest official place name in the world - Taumata­whakatangihanga­koauau­o­tamatea­turi­pukakapiki­maunga­horo­nuku­pokai­whenua­kitanatahu - coming in at 85 letters. The English translation of this Maori name is:  “The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his nose flute to his loved one".  Would you believe that there are actually longer versions of this name including a version containing 105 letters but I’m happy sticking with this one! I think I could be tempted to take a look, just in honour of Tamatea. If you want to know how to pronounce this amazing name, follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px36UwW6y_g

Then again, for those of us wishing to stay a little closer to home, a visit to Wales could be the answer. The village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch has officially the longest one- word name in Wales and also across the whole of Europe.  The Welsh name translates as “Saint Mary's Church in a hollow of white hazel near the swirling whirlpool of the church of Saint Tysilio with a red cave".  This village, on the Island of Anglesey, is popular with tourists who like to have a photograph taken next to the railway notice board bearing the name of the village.  However, with beautiful countryside and lovely views this could be the ideal break for nature lovers.

If the USA is more your idea of a holiday then maybe a trip to  Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, also known as Lake Chaubunagungamaug  or Websters Lake may be the ideal choice for you.   This magnificent lake, in Massachusetts, has a 17 mile shoreline and is the perfect place to relax in the sun, or to enjoy watersports such as swimming, boating and jet skiing. The English translation of this Nipmuc place name is along the lines of “Fishing place at the boundaries - neutral meeting grounds” and I definitely think it is worth a visit.  

Just in case none of the above appeals to you I do have one last suggestion.  Did you know the official ceremonial name for Bangkok, the Capital of Thailand is   Krungthep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahadikok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit" This translates to “The city of angels, great city, residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn”.  What more is there to say?

Don’t forget that if you would like help with your written English, check out our website www.writtenenglishcorrected.com

Mnemonics

So, as we have already seen, spelling in English can be a tricky business. However, do not be alarmed as help is on hand!  Over the years, there has grown up a whole selection of rhymes and acronyms to help us get our spelling right!  These are what we call mnemonics or mnemonic devices.  Put into simple English, a mnemonic is a learning technique that aids information retention.  It is just a way to help us remember.

Last week we looked at the “i” before “e” except after “c” rule, and seen that whilst this is probably the best known of all English spelling rhymes, it has so many exceptions that there is an argument that questions its usefulness! So I thought today we could perhaps look at some more straightforward rhymes that may be more helpful.

Lest start with the phrase; “desserts have two sugars”.  If you can remember this it will help you avoid confusing “desert” (the large expanse of arid, sandy ground) with “dessert”  (the sweet course you eat after dinner). Following on from this if you have trouble with the word potassium, it may be useful to remember “one tea, two sugars”!

 How about – “never eat chips, eat salad sandwiches and raspberry yogurt” (necessary).  There you go – not only have you got some healthy advice but you will always remember how to spell necessary. Another one I like is; “big elephants can always understand small elephants” (because).  Not only is this a really cute thing to believe, but you also have the spelling of “because” sewn up!  If you have trouble remembering how to spell argument, think “a rude girl undresses; my eyes need taping”.  Not sure, but it may just help you!  

Watching this clip maybe the mother elephant understands her baby a bit too much! 

There are also more general rhymes to help us out, such as when two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking! Think of words like “neat” and “boat” and you will notice that it is the first vowel that is most pronounced.  This rule generally works for those words with a long “e” or “o” sound, such as “meet”, “seat” “coat” or “loan”. Although the two vowels come side by side, it is the first vowel that makes the long sound.

If you have trouble spelling any particular word or group of words, it may be a good idea (and lots of fun), to come up with a rhyme for yourself.  It does not matter how silly it is as long as it is something that you are likely to remember.  I don’t know about you but I always remember the words to the daftest of songs, and rhymes I have not heard since childhood I can recite perfectly!

Just before I sign off, I wanted to leave you with an interesting mnemonic, especially for all of you interested in science.  If you get confused with stalactites and stalagmites, you only need to remember that tights go down and therefore stalactites are from ceiling to floor!                 

Please remember if you need any help with your written English please visit our website www.writtenenglishcorrected.com   

Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia

On account of the marvellous feedback we had last week when we looked at the word floccinaucinihilipilification, I am guessing that long words are currently in vogue!  Therefore, I have decided to continue with the theme and the word of the week, this week, is hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia. Ironically, this 35 lettered, 15 syllable word means “a fear of long words” – yes I guessed that would make you smile. Some people, with a weird sense of humour, even put in an extra “p” (hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia) to make the word even longer! My challenge to you is to use this word in an everyday conversation. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to work this word into a sentence, and just see how many of your friends or family have any idea of what you are talking about!

So, where on earth does this word come from? What is the etymology? Well take a good look at the spelling of hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, and you will see that it you can identify, in some form, four other words. It includes sesquipedalio, which relates to long words and phobia, an irrational fear of something, whilst the “hippopoto" and "monstro” part are merely short versions of hippopotamus and monster and are included just to make the word even longer!  I believe that the person who first coined this word certainly had a good sense of humour!  As an alternative you could use the word sesquipedaliophobia which is also used to describe the fear of long words, but hey, not half so much fun is it?

If you would like to know how this amazing word is pronounced, take a look at this amusing video clip.

 

Although we have been taking a light-hearted look at the word itself, on a more serious note, hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is a real phobia which can have a profound effect on those who suffer from it.  Effects may vary considerably, for some it may only be a fear of extremely long words, whilst for others fairly moderate words are enough to cause anxiety.  Like all phobias, the causes are not always clear and may include genetics, brain chemistry and life experiences. A phobia may occur after a traumatic event.  

However, the fear of long words tends to be fairly uncommon and for some the symptoms are mild. However, for others this phobia can have a real effect on their everyday life. It may affect a child’s performance in school or interfere with an adult’s ability to carry out their job.  Treatment is available for those who suffer with hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, and if this is affecting you or a member of your family you may want to find out more information at http://common-phobias.com/hippo/phobia.htm

If you need any help with your written English, please visit our website www.writtenenglishcorrected.com

I before E, except after C

Spelling in English can sometimes be a bit tricky, and often needs some hard work and lots of practise to perfect.  Remember when we looked at homophones, homonyms and homographs and found that words can be spelt the same but have different meanings, spelt the same but have different pronunciation and pronounced the same with different spelling and meaning. Wow!  Just look at it as a challenge, English can be good fun and with perseverance you will get there!

Probably, the best known spelling rule in English is “I before E, except after C”.  This is a mnemonic, or learning aid to help people remember that if you are having a problem spelling a word that contains and “i” and an “e” in it, generally the “i” will come before the “e” unless it is preceded by a “c”.  Got it??  Okay I will give you a few examples that will make it much clearer.  Think of words like “believe”, “friend”, “achieve” and “thief”, the “i” comes before the “e”.  Then look at words such as “deceit”, “ceiling” and “receipt”, and sure enough because following a letter “c” they follow the rule and the “e” comes first.  This mnemonic has been around for a long time, indeed there is evidence to show its use in the mid 19^th Century.

However, some people believe that there are so many exceptions to this rule that it has little effect.  Certainly, there are many exceptions.  Taking only a few minutes I came up with “ancient”, “sufficient”, “science”, “surveillance” “leisure” and “neither”, and believe me that is just a drop in the ocean.

Recognising that the rule does not always fit, a longer version of this mnemonic had been developed by the late 19^th Century, which reads as follows: “I” before “E” except after “C”, or when sounded as “A”, as in neighbour or weigh.

Unfortunately, this still does not cover all the exceptions. What about “efficient”, “weird” or “caffeine”?   Part of the problem is that English has evolved over hundreds of years, taking influences from many dialects, so to try and apply a rule to all words just doesn’t work.  The “i” before “e” rule is ok, as long as it is taken as a very general, flexible rule that cannot be applied in a rigid fashion.  Look closely at the phrase: eight, weighty, weird, beige, neighbours – none of the words conform!!

I recently read a quote from Brian Regan:  “I before e except after c, and sounding like a in a neighbouring way, and on weekends and holidays and all throughout May. YOU'LL ALWAYS BE WRONG NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY!!!!”

Mmmm, perhaps he has a point??     

If you would like help with your written English, please visit our website www.writtenenglishcorrected.com

Word of the Week

Floccinaucinihilipilification

This week’s word of the week is a rather grand little (or should I say grand long) word - floccinaucinihilipilification, which is the action or habit of describing something as useless, unimportant or worthless.

The word originated in the mid 18^th Century, being popular with Eton pupils and included in the Eton Latin Grammar. The origin of the word can be traced to four Latin words; flocci, nauci, nihili and pili, all suggesting “at a small price,” “for nothing,” “trifling” or “something insignificant”.  

Today, floccinaucinihilipilification is rarely used as it was designed. If you ever hear it in a sentence it is far more likely to be in an argument about the longest word in the dictionary rather than referring to something as useless!  Just for information, for all you who thought antidisestablishmentarianism was the longest word in the English language, with twenty eight letters, floccinaucinihilipilification beats it coming in with twenty nine!  Some may indeed argue that this is the longest non- technical word to be found in an English dictionary.     

As we have said floccinaucinihilipilification is almost always used as being an example of a long word, however we can find historical evidence of its correct usage. The word is first recorded in 1741, in a letter of William Shenstone, an 18^th Century poet and landscape gardener. Again in the early 19^th Century it appears in records from Sir Walter Scott and the poet Robert Southey.  More recently the word was used by the Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, firstly in Parliament when discussing alleged corruption among judges in the European Court of Justice, and again when interviewed by Andrew Neil in February 2012.  Really he did, and I can provide empirical evidence with this little clip from youtube.com!

 

Okay, so a lot of us have probably learned a new word today.  Perhaps, not a word that is used in everyday language by everyday people, but as we have seen it is still a word that is used by at least one MP! If you want to amaze your friends and family try working floccinaucinihilipilification into a conversation.  For those of you who are willing to give it a go, the pronunciation is FLOK-si-NO-si-NY-HIL-i-PIL-i-fi-KAY-shuhn, but be warned, you do run the risk of people thinking you swallowed a dictionary for breakfast or have been eating too much alphabetti spaghetti – lol! 

         

If you would like help with your written English please visit our website www.writtenenglishcorrected.com

Approaching Sentences

So you want to write a letter to your boyfriend/girlfriend, or maybe an essay for your tutor, or a job application, but you’re not sure that your written English is too good. One basic fact that is most important to remember is to write in sentences! If you are writing text and do not break it down into sentences it can make it very difficult for the reader to grasp the meaning of your work.  Indeed it can often lead to misunderstandings, and you may find that the reader has a very different idea of what you thought you had written!

Basically, sentences are groups of words (at least two), that express a statement, and make complete sense. The first word of a sentence always starts with a capital letter.   Let’s start with a simple sentence. You will notice that these always contain a noun (subject) and a verb (doing word). I will give you an example:

Today, I am going shopping.

You will see that this imparts to you certain information.  The verb is going shopping and the person doing it is me! Simple sentences are correct and fine to use on occasions but if you are writing a lot of text, as in a letter, and try to write only in simple sentences the text will appear clumsy and the writing may seem immature.

This is why we often use compound sentences. These are sentences that have two clauses of equal importance, which are joined together by a conjunction (a joining word).  To go back to our example, I could expand on that and provide you with more information. 

Today, I am going shopping, because I have a day off work.

You are now aware of two facts, the first that I am going shopping and the second that I have a day off work. Both of these statements, or clauses, are of equal status; either one would make sense on its own, but both have been imparted in one sentence. There is a long list of conjunctions that are often used including and, although, as, because but, if, or, before, after, until, whenever, while, although, where etc.

The third type of sentence you may write is a complex sentence. These are also made up of clauses, but the clauses this time are not equally balanced.  You will have one main clause (or subject) and one or more subordinate clauses.  These can be identified as the subordinate clause does not make sense on its own. Let’s return to our example, I might say:

If the bus turns up, I am going shopping today.

Sentences are very useful things; they can be used to make statements as in our examples above. They may be used to ask direct questions or make requests as in “Are you going to the party tonight”?  They may also be used to give orders or express exclamations - “I am freezing”!

You may have noticed that sentences often end with a full stop, this make you aware that the sentence is finished and you are moving onto a new one.  This is not always the case though, if a sentence ends with a question mark or exclamation mark you do not have to add a full stop – these cheeky little punctuation marks do the job for you!

I hope you will have some fun practising writing in sentences and identifying what sort of sentence you have created.  However, if you are still unsure please visit our website www.writtenenglishcorrected.com for further information.