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Expanding the Lexicon: Oxford English Dictionary Adds Words Reflecting Global Linguistic Diversity
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has broadened its extensive collection, incorporating 42 new terms from various languages, many of which are considered untranslatable. Among the notable additions is “gigil” (pronounced ghee-gill), a Tagalog word capturing the irresistible urge to squeeze or pinch something overwhelmingly cute. This inclusion highlights the dictionary’s commitment to reflecting the richness and nuances of global communication. The latest update, unveiled on the dictionary’s website, also features words from Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Ireland, enriching the English language with terms that express unique cultural concepts and emotions.
Bridging Lexical Gaps with Borrowed Words
According to Danica Salazar, executive editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, these additions address “lexical gaps”— instances where English lacks a direct equivalent for a concept expressed in another language. Salazar explained that English speakers often “borrow” words from other languages to fill these gaps, a practice that, over time, can lead to the borrowed term becoming integrated into the English vocabulary.
Oxford English Dictionary updates are released quarterly, continually evolving to encompass the dynamic nature of language.
New Additions Reflect Diverse Global Experiences
Expressing Emotion: “Yoh” and “Alamak”
The latest update includes “yoh,” a South African English interjection used to convey a spectrum of emotions, from surprise and shock to wonder. Similarly, “alamak,” a Malay term, provides another option to express feelings of surprise, shock, or dismay. These additions showcase how languages develop unique interjections to articulate immediate emotional responses.
Describing Behavior: “Act the Maggot”
For describing foolish or embarrassing behavior, the Irish phrase “to act the maggot” has also been incorporated. This idiom adds another layer of descriptive language for nuanced expressions of human actions.
The Natural Evolution of Language: Embracing Loanwords
The incorporation of words from other languages into English is a long-standing phenomenon, particularly as English has expanded globally and interacted with diverse cultures. Linguist Salikoko Mufwene emphasizes that encountering and adopting words from other languages is essential for English speakers to understand and articulate experiences and concepts unique to those cultures.
Mufwene, a linguistics professor at the University of Chicago, noted that as English speakers engage with different regions and cultures, they inevitably encounter practices and concepts best described by local terms. Integrating these “loanwords” becomes a practical necessity for effective communication and cultural understanding.
He further commented on the value of these additions to the Oxford English Dictionary, recognizing that while other dictionaries may also include such words, the OED’s public acknowledgment highlights the ongoing process of linguistic evolution and cross-cultural exchange.
Historical Precedent: “Banana,” “Maize,” and “Gumbo”
Mufwene underscores that borrowing words is not a new trend but a consistent aspect of language development. He offers examples like “banana,” originating from West Africa, “maize,” from Native American languages, and “gumbo,” with African roots, all now commonplace in English. These words, initially foreign, became integrated into the English lexicon through historical interactions and cultural exchange.
Now, “gigil” joins this evolving list, further illustrating the dynamic and inclusive nature of the English language as it continues to absorb and reflect global linguistic influences.