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Item Details
Title:
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A CERTAIN JE NE SAIS QUOI
WORDS WE PINCHED FROM OTHER LANGUAGES |
By: |
Chloe Rhodes |
Format: |
Hardback |
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List price:
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£9.99 |
We believe that this item is permanently unavailable, and so we cannot source
it.
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ISBN 10: |
1843173646 |
ISBN 13: |
9781843173649 |
Publisher: |
MICHAEL O'MARA BOOKS LTD |
Pub. date: |
1 September, 2009 |
Pages: |
176 |
Description: |
English is enriched with many borrowings and influences from other languages. Aficionado, chutzpah, pro bono, hoi polloi, ketchup, nous, zeitgeist - we use these foreign words every day without thinking of their origins, but what do they actually mean? This book offers information for 'connoisseurs' (French) of the English language. |
Synopsis: |
English as we know it today is enriched with many borrowings and influences from other languages. Aficionado, chutzpah, pro bono, hoi polloi, ketchup, nous, zeitgeist - we use these foreign words every day without thinking of their origins, but what do they actually mean? And just how and why did we English speakers absorb such exotic imports? Each phrase has a fascinating history; colonialism, foreign trade, invasion and immigration all have their role to play in the evolution of our language. Did you know, for example, that 'lingua franca' is Italian for 'Frankish language' - a name given to a mixed common language used by diplomats of different nationalities in medieval times? Or that the seemingly modern 'bandana' comes from the Sanskrit for the ancient Indian technique of tie-dying fabric? A Certain 'Je Ne Sais Quoi' is an accessible and entertaining treasury of information that 'connoisseurs' (French) of the English language will love! |
Publication: |
UK |
Imprint: |
Michael O'Mara Books Ltd |
Returns: |
Returnable |
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