A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages - Hardcover
Book 2 of 20: I Used to Know That Book
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!
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About the Author
Chloe Rhodes is a freelance writer and journalist whose work has appeared in the Daily Telegraph, the Times, and the Independent on Sunday. Her previous books include Black Cats and Evil Eyes: A Book of Old-Fashioned Superstitions.
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A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages
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ISBN 10: 1843173646
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. 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! The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001497736
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Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine. Seller Inventory # CHL1364897
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A certain 'je ne sais quoi' : words we pinched from other languages / Chloe Rhodes
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London : Michael O'Mara, 2009
ISBN 10: 1843173646
ISBN 13: 9781843173649
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2nd edition. Very good copy in the color-printed boards. Remains particularly well-preserved overall; tight, bright, clean and strong. Physical description: 176 p. : ill.; 20 cm. Notes: Includes bibliographical references. Subjects: English language Foreign elements. History. Genre: Bibliography. Illustrated. 1 Kg. Seller Inventory # 309932