Untranslatable – What Cannot Be Said In English and How to Express It

In this salon debut host Vikram Das explores the limits of the English language.

Ever racked your brain for a word you’re convinced should exist, yet is inexplicably absent from the dictionary? All languages have their limitations-should English fall short, the expression may lie elsewhere. We are going to discuss linguistic gems that capture cultural untranslatables with satisfying precision.

Take for example the Japanese yoko meshi, “a meal eaten sideways,” describing the experience of trying to communicate in an alien tongue, or mono-no-aware, the appreciation of life’s sadness. From the distinctive coziness of the Danish hygge, to the unrestrained dis of the Mayan bol (“in-laws” and “stupidity”), to the profound collectivism of the Zulu concept of ubuntu (roughly, “I AM because WE ARE”), we’ll discuss these and many more.

Reading and Links:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-magic-of-untranslatable-words/

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180103-the-untranslatable-japanese-phrase-that-predicts-love

https://www.lifehack.org/291573/14-untranslatable-words-shown-incredibly-stunning-illustrations

https://www.demilked.com/untranslatable-words-love-emma-block-vashi/

https://www.theintrepidguide.com/untranslatable-words-ultimate-list/

https://www.lingholic.com/15-untranslatable-words-wish-existed-english/

https://www.upworthy.com/14-awesome-words-we-dont-have-in-english-but-desperately-need

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