Calquing meaning

Calquing is the process of borrowing a word or phrase from one language and translating it literally into another language.


Calquing definitions

Word backwards gniuqlac
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "calquing" is a gerund, which is a verb form that functions as a noun.
Syllabic division cal-qu-ing
Plural The plural of the word "calquing" is "calquings".
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) a,u,i
Consonants (5) c,l,q,n,g

Understanding Calquing

Calquing is a linguistic term that refers to the process of borrowing words or phrases from one language and translating them into another. This borrowing often occurs when a concept or idea does not have a direct equivalent in the target language. By translating the original term, speakers of the target language can convey the same meaning in a way that is easily understood by others.

Types of Calquing

There are two main types of calquing: loan translations and semantic calques. Loan translations involve directly translating the components of a word or phrase into another language. For example, the French phrase "cul-de-sac" has been borrowed into English as a loan translation, meaning "bottom of the bag." Semantic calques, on the other hand, involve translating the meaning of a word or phrase rather than the literal components. An example of this is the English term "skyscraper," which was calqued from the French "gratte-ciel," meaning "sky-scraper."

Examples of Calquing

Calquing can be found in languages across the globe. For instance, the English phrase "flea market" was borrowed into Russian as a direct translation, "блошиный рынок". Similarly, the Japanese term for "mobile phone," "携帯電話" (keitai denwa), is a calque borrowed from Chinese. These examples illustrate how calquing allows speakers to communicate complex concepts across linguistic boundaries.

The Importance of Calquing>

Calquing plays a crucial role in cross-cultural communication and language development. By borrowing words or phrases from other languages, speakers can enrich their own language and express ideas that may not have existed before. Additionally, calquing can help create connections between different cultures and promote understanding among diverse communities. Overall, calquing is an essential linguistic phenomenon that enhances the richness and diversity of languages around the world.


Calquing Examples

  1. Shepherd is a calque of the French word "berger".
  2. The term "skyscraper" is a calque from the French "gratte-ciel".
  3. The phrase "voir grand" in French can be calqued to "think big" in English.
  4. The English phrase "mind over matter" is a calque from the Latin "mens sana in corpore sano".
  5. The word "butterfly" in English is a calque of the German word "Schmetterling".
  6. The Chinese phrase "不明觉厉" can be calqued as "ignorance is bliss" in English.
  7. The term "mother tongue" is a calque of the Latin "lingua materna".
  8. The Japanese phrase "角笛を吹く" can be calqued as "to blow one's own trumpet" in English.
  9. The expression "sang-froid" in French can be calqued as "cool-headedness" in English.
  10. The word "karaoke" is a calque from the Japanese "empty orchestra".


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  • Updated 01/07/2024 - 05:23:21