Definition:
A “loanword” is a word adopted from one language and incorporated into another without translation. These words are borrowed and used directly in their original form, often with little or no modification.
Etymology:
The term “loanword” comes from the combination of “loan,” which means something borrowed, and “word,” indicating that it refers to borrowed linguistic elements. The concept has been part of language evolution for centuries, reflecting cultural and linguistic exchanges.
Description:
Loanwords are common in all languages, resulting from trade, conquest, immigration, and cultural exchange. They enrich the vocabulary and often fill gaps where no native word exists.
Types of Loanwords:
- Direct Loanwords: Words taken directly from another language without any change (e.g., “café” from French).
- Calques (Loan Translations): Phrases or compound words translated literally from another language (e.g., “skyscraper” from German “Wolkenkratzer”).
- Hybrid Loanwords: Words that combine elements from both the borrowing language and the original language (e.g., “karaoke” from Japanese “kara” (empty) and “oke” (orchestra)).
Examples of Loanwords:
- English:
- “Ballet” (from French).
- “Taco” (from Spanish).
- “Ketchup” (from Chinese via Malay).
- Spanish:
- “Bistec” (from English “beefsteak”).
- “Fútbol” (from English “football”).
- “Champú” (from English “shampoo”).
- German:
- “Computer” (from English).
- “Keks” (from English “cakes“).
- “Tunnel” (from English).