Posted on Dec 20, 2019
The Meanings Behind Words for Emotions Aren't Universal, Study Finds
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https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meanings-behind-words-emotions-arent-universal-study-finds-180973834/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20191220-daily-responsive&spMailingID=41393458&spUserID=ODU1Njc2OTExOTgxS0&spJobID= [login to see] &spReportId=MTY2MTkwOTc0MgS2
I have studied eleven different languages during my lifetime, not to speak them, but rather to better understand and use my own. Along the way I have been rewarded with many insights into the humor of misunderstanding. Although two words in different languages may mean the same thing, they may have vastly different connotations. For example, I once wrote an instruction manual using the theme "It's as simple as 1-2-3". Unfortunately, when translated into German, that phrase is an insult ("Just how stupid are you"). For someone who thinks primarily in images, these issues can be especially perplexing...
I have studied eleven different languages during my lifetime, not to speak them, but rather to better understand and use my own. Along the way I have been rewarded with many insights into the humor of misunderstanding. Although two words in different languages may mean the same thing, they may have vastly different connotations. For example, I once wrote an instruction manual using the theme "It's as simple as 1-2-3". Unfortunately, when translated into German, that phrase is an insult ("Just how stupid are you"). For someone who thinks primarily in images, these issues can be especially perplexing...
The Meanings Behind Words for Emotions Aren't Universal, Study Finds
Posted from smithsonianmag.comPosted in these groups: 
Foreign Language
Humor
Foreign Language Humor
Posted 5 y ago
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