Translating

/trænsˈleɪt.ɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Converting words or text from one language to another, or explaining something in simpler terms; also moving from one place to another.

Etymology

From Latin 'translatus,' past participle of 'transferre' (trans- 'across' + ferre 'to carry'). The word originally meant to physically carry across, then metaphorically to move ideas across languages.

Kelly Says

Some concepts literally cannot be translated—the German word 'Schadenfreude' (joy at others' misfortune) took English speakers an entire phrase, and linguists argue this reveals what different cultures found important enough to name, making translation as much about cultural history as language.

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