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Are you a logophile? A person that loves words? If so, read on because I know a book that you are going to love!I am an English teacher – I spend my days inspiring students to explore the written word through reading and writing. We study vocabulary and look at the Latin and Greek roots of many of our English words. I encourage the kids to keep a list of words that they like in their writer’s notebook. They love to see their lists grow throughout the year. Yes, in short I am encouraging them all to become logophiles – people that love words. How perfect it is for me to now have this book of 52 words that do not directly translate into English – rather they are words that describe moments, things, actions, and descriptions that take more words in English to explain. Yes, in other languages there are wonderful words that we do not have a direct translation for. It’s nice to know that I am not the only one that has “akihi”. In fact it must be so common that there is a name for it in Hawaiian. Akihi is when you listen to directions nodding in agreement, because you completely understand, than walk off and completely forget whether it was a left or a right at this street or that street. Yep, I’ve gone akihi. I love fika with my friends. Fika is a Swedish verb for gathering together to talk and take a long break, often sharing coffee and pastries and talking for hours. Sounds divine to me! My students will completely understand the meaning of Jayus an Indonesian noun. A jayus is a joke so bad and unfunny the you cannot help but laugh. Lost in Translation by Ella Frances Sanders is almost poetic in nature. Each of the 52 words are spread out across a two page display of beautiful colorful sketches that help bring meaning to the words, along with a definition and short writing to help clarify how the words are used. Take a look inside this book by clicking here and see the art work for yourself. It is beautiful! The language of origin and part of speech are also noted. I do wish that Ms. Sanders had also included a pronunciation key. I would like to know for sure how to enunciate each word. This book is a fun book and a great gift for any of your logophile friends. I cannot wait to share it with my students! |
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