Borrowed Words Used in English

Borrowed Words Used in English

 

Background of the Study

Language is the primary tool for communication among humans, serving specific purposes to ensure messages are delivered effectively. Communication aids in the development of self-concept, self-actualization, and helps bridge relationships with others. In this process, language acts as the symbol of verbal communication that is frequently used. New words often emerge in communication, leading to the continuous evolution of language over time.

Borrowed words should be known and understood

In communication, the "word" is paramount. It is a distinct, meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others to form sentences. For effective communication, complex words in a sentence should be known and understood, especially those borrowed from other languages, such as Latin, Greek, French, Japanese, Arabic, Italian, and many others.

Borrowed Words make up around 80% of the English Language

English was originally brought to what is now called Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers from northwest Germany, West Denmark, and the Netherlands. However, the language that we now call English has undergone significant changes over time, influenced heavily by other languages. It is estimated that borrowed words make up around 80% of the English language. As the author James D. Nicoll famously noted, "We don't just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary."

Borrowed Words is One Reason of the Vast English Vocabulary

One reason for the vast English vocabulary—estimated to be more than two million words, though not all are in current use—is its borrowing from up to 350 other languages. Significant contributions come from Latin, Greek, and French, especially following the Norman invasion of 1066.

Borrowed Words in English Mostly Come from French

We easily recognize words like café and entrepreneur as French, but many older words also have French origins. For instance, most meat-related terms, such as beef, mutton, and pork, come from French, which explains their difference from the words used to describe the animals themselves.

Borrowed Words also come from the Arabic Language

Arabic has contributed many words that are now commonly perceived as English, such as admiral, caravan, and candy. The period of British colonial rule in India introduced Hindi or Urdu words like bungalow, pyjamas, khaki, and shampoo into English.

Other Languages also contributed to the English Vocabulary 

Modern borrowings include words like anime, tsunami, and rickshaw from Japanese; guerrilla and cockroach (cucaracha) from Spanish; rucksack and delicatessen from German; broccoli and graffiti from Italian; and glitch and bagel from Yiddish.

Examples of Borrowed Words used in English 

Arabic	French	German	Hindi and Urdu
Admiral Candi Caravan	Café Entrepreneur Beef	Rucksack Delicatessen	Pyjamas Bungalow Khaki Shampoo
Italian	Japanese	Spanish	Yiddish
Broccoli Graffiti	Anime Tsunami Rockshaw	Cockroach Guerilla	Glitch Bagel

Conclusion

English spelling and pronunciation are often seen as confusing and unpredictable. However, recognizing the language's diverse origins—a true hotchpotch (derived from French for example)—helps make sense of its complexities.