Word Histories And Mysteries: From Abracadabra to ZeusHarperCollins, 13.10.2004 - 368 Seiten Did you know that cats are related etymologically to caterpillars? Or that Thomas Edison played a key role in popularizing the use of the greeting “Hello”? Or that muscles were originally mice, since a flexed biceps looks like a little rodent scurrying under the skin? Word Histories and Mysteries provides a panoramic view of the unique richness of English, uncovering the origins of five hundred everyday words whose surprising and often amusing stories offer insights into the history of humankind. Arranged in convenient alphabetical order, the notes are written in a lively and entertaining style perfect for browsing. The reader can learn how words were coined, or trace the origins of English back to the Indo-European language spoken long before the invention of writing. A short introduction outlines the techniques linguists use to trace the history of words, and a handy glossary explains the linguistic terms that describe the ways in which language changes over time. Photographs and drawings help familiarize the reader with the ancient objects or cultural practices from which our words have sprung. Fascinating and fun to read, Word Histories and Mysteries is an ideal gift for high school or college students interested in language and for anyone who wants to know more about the curious sounds we make to communicate every day. |
Häufige Begriffe und Wortgruppen
adjective American ancestor ancient Anglo-Norman appears became borrowed into English British called Chinese common compound deiwos denoted derived from Latin descendant devel developed Dictionary Dutch early eighteenth century element England English borrowed entered English etymology European example fourteenth century Germanic languages Germanic word goes back Greek Greek word GRIMM'S LAW guages Indo Indo-European language Indo-European root Irish language family Late Latin later linguistic lish literally Medieval Latin Middle Chinese Middle Eng Middle English Modern English nineteenth century noun Old English Old English word Old French Old French word Old Norse past participle phrase plural prefix probably pronounced pronunciation Proto-Indo-European recorded in English refer Roman Romance languages Sanskrit Scottish Gaelic sense seventeenth century shortened sixteenth century sound change Spanish speakers spelling suffix survives syllable teenth century term things tion translation ultimately derived variant verb Verner's Law vowel Vulgar Latin Zeus