Language is always evolving, and one of the most interesting ways this happens is through a process called calquing. Calques are words or phrases borrowed from one language to another through direct translation. They allow languages to enrich their vocabulary without borrowing foreign terms outright. In this post, we will explore how calques work, how they sometimes transform into new words, and how different languages use them.
What Are Calques?
A calque is a linguistic term for a word or phrase that is translated directly from one language into another. While some borrowed words simply cross linguistic borders unchanged (like “pizza” from Italian to English), calques involve a more intricate process where the components of the phrase are translated one by one. This method often results in words that are new to the borrowing language but retain the meaning of the original term.
For example:
- The English phrase “skyscraper” is a calque of the French “gratte-ciel,” which literally means “scrape-sky.”
- In German, the term “Handschuh” (meaning “glove”) is a calque of the English phrase “hand shoe.”
- The French term “gratte-ciel” is itself a calque from the English “skyscraper.”
How Calques Can Become New Words
When calques are created, they might initially seem odd or unfamiliar in the new language. However, over time, they can become fully integrated and even evolve beyond their original meaning, becoming entirely new words in their own right.
Consider the phrase “blue jeans.” Originally, this term was a calque from the French “bleu de Gênes” (meaning “blue of Genoa,” referring to the indigo-dyed fabric). Over time, “blue jeans” became synonymous with a specific style of pants, transforming from a direct translation of fabric into an iconic garment name.
Calques in the Digital Age
In the age of the internet and globalization, calques are more common than ever. The digital world has brought an influx of English words into many other languages, but instead of simply borrowing these terms, many languages have opted for calques.
For example:
- The French term “moteur de recherche” directly translates to “search engine,” a calque of the English phrase.
- In Spanish, the term “teléfono móvil” means “mobile phone,” which is a calque of the English term.
Such calques are often preferred over direct borrowing because they retain a sense of the original language’s structure while making the new concept understandable in the context of the target language.
Why Some Languages Avoid New Words
Interestingly, not all languages acquire new words through calques. Some cultures and languages are resistant to borrowing or creating new terms, preferring to maintain their linguistic traditions. For example, many languages in Europe, like Finnish and Icelandic, often create calques instead of adopting foreign terms. This is due to a strong desire to preserve their unique cultural and linguistic identities.
In contrast, other languages, like Japanese, tend to borrow words directly (e.g., “コンピュータ” for “computer”) rather than translating them. This preference for borrowing can sometimes lead to the creation of hybrid words, blending foreign and local elements.
The Role of Calques in Language Evolution
Calques are more than just a way to introduce new vocabulary—they can also reflect the changing cultural landscape of a society. By adopting and adapting foreign words, a language embraces new concepts, ideas, and technologies. The process of calquing shows how languages constantly evolve to meet the needs of their speakers.
In conclusion, calques are a fascinating linguistic phenomenon that highlights the adaptability and creativity of languages. They allow words and phrases to transcend borders, offering new ways to express familiar ideas. Over time, some calques can even become new words altogether, enriching the lexicon of a language. Whether by borrowing directly or translating, calques play a vital role in keeping languages dynamic and alive.