Christopher J. Moore Livres

Why do we say "bête noire" instead of "black beast," or "doppelgänger" rather than "double goer"? This engaging book explores how certain words become irreplaceable in their original languages, offering insights into diverse cultures and the unique vocabulary they provide for complex emotions and experiences. For instance, the Portuguese term "saudade" conveys a deep nostalgia that shapes their fado music, while "chutzpah" in Yiddish encapsulates bold audacity. It even introduces quirky terms like "attaccabottoni," describing someone who monopolizes your time with lengthy tales of woe. The Japanese word "yokomeshi," meaning "horizontal rice," illustrates the challenges of learning a foreign language, particularly the shift from vertical to horizontal writing. Meticulously researched with input from language specialists and written by a knowledgeable linguist, this book is a treasure trove for language enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Each chapter delves into the richness of various languages, making it visually appealing and easy to browse. With a foreword by Simon Winchester, it serves as a captivating guide to linguistic gems that capture unique concepts and define the essence of cultures around the world. Perfect for anyone intrigued by the interplay of language and culture during their travels.

English may well be the most spoken language in the world but what exactly do we mean when we talk about 'the English language'? It is an ever-evolving (and frequently unusual) means of communication that can often leave the curious foreign traveller flummoxed. After all, who really is 'er indoors? What is a stiff upper lip? And why are the English always so sorry? If there still is such a thing as 'the Queen's English', then what can it tell us about the people who use it? For every anorak, egghead or toff, The Queen's English is the perfect guide to understanding what makes the English tick. From cricket to chips, the jumble sale to the white van man, Moore casts a quizzical eye over English passions and concerns and considers the influence on the language of English writers from Chaucer to Wodehouse. For those keen to uncover the peculiarities of the English lexicon, or those just hoping to fit in, this enlightening A-Z helps to breach the language barrier. The Queen's English offers rare insight into the quintessential qualities of the English race. Christopher J. Moore is an Englishman. He is the author of the highly successful In Other Words. Christopher has a BA in Modern Languages, an Msc in Linguistics and is an author and editor for both adult and children's books including a collection of Gaelic poetry.

Bezaubernde Worte aus der ganzen Welt zeigen uns, dass es noch viel mehr gibt, was man sagen und ausdrücken könnte. Sie alle sind so besonders, dass sie sich nicht übersetzen lassen. Solch faszinierende Redewendungen findet man, begleitet von liebevollen Illustrationen auf den Seiten dieses wunderbaren Bandes. Mit 90 Worten und Redewendungen aus aller Welt, sowohl aus antiken als auch aus modernen Sprachen, unterhält dieses Buch jeden, der ein Herz für Sprache hat. Wortbeispiele: kanga, powow, bol, tha gradh agam ort, megillah, utepils, hankikanto, hacer un gancho, attaccabottone, saudade, uitwaaien, gagung, wabi-sabi, taraadin, gönül, Schadenfreude, shibui

Verlevendig je geest en verrijk je eigen woordenschat met Onvertaalbaar!. Het is een subliem en geestig lexicon vol fascinerende woorden en zinnen waarvoor geen directe Nederlandse vertaling bestaat. Het bekendste voorbeeld voor ons Nederlanders is natuurlijk het woord gezellig, waar men in het buitenland altijd een paar woorden meer voor nodig heeft om de precieze betekenis ervan weer te geven. Maar dit geldt anderzijds ook voor het Duitse 'Drachenfutter' - dat wat een dronken echtgenoot nodig heeft om de woede van zijn vrouw te weerstaan. Of het Arabische 'taraadin' - het sluiten van een 'ik win, jij wint'-compromis.