Loanword
Introduction
A loanword is a word adopted from one language (the donor language) and incorporated into another language without translation. This linguistic phenomenon is a common occurrence in language development, as languages are continually influenced by each other through various forms of interaction, such as trade, conquest, and cultural exchange. Loanwords can include words from all parts of speech, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, and even phrases.
Etymology
The term 'loanword' is itself a calque or loan translation from the German word Lehnwort. The prefix 'loan-' signifies the borrowing aspect, while '-word' denotes the linguistic unit being borrowed. It's important to note that despite the term 'loan', these words are not expected to be returned to the donor language.
Types of Loanwords
Loanwords can be classified into three main types: true loanwords, loanblends, and loanshifts.
True Loanwords
True loanwords are words directly lifted from a donor language into a recipient language with little to no modification. They retain their original spelling, pronunciation, and meaning. An example of a true loanword in English is 'piano' from Italian.
Loanblends
Loanblends are words that are partially borrowed and partially translated from the donor language. One part of the word is a direct loan from the donor language, while the other part is a native word from the recipient language. An example of a loanblend in English is 'skyscraper', which is a blend of the English word 'sky' and the borrowed word 'scraper'.
Loanshifts
Loanshifts are words that are borrowed from a donor language and then given a new meaning in the recipient language. The word is essentially 'shifted' in its usage. An example of a loanshift in English is 'mouse', which was borrowed from the German word 'Maus' and given a new meaning to refer to a computer device.
Loanword Adaptation
When a word is borrowed from one language to another, it often undergoes a process of adaptation to fit the phonological, morphological, and syntactic patterns of the recipient language. This process can involve changes in pronunciation, spelling, and even meaning.
Influence of Loanwords
Loanwords can have a significant impact on the recipient language, influencing its vocabulary, grammar, and even phonetics. They can introduce new concepts, enrich the language's expressive power, and reflect cultural and historical ties between different linguistic communities.
Examples of Loanwords in English
The English language has borrowed extensively from other languages throughout its history. Some examples of loanwords in English include 'café' from French, 'kindergarten' from German, 'pasta' from Italian, and 'sushi' from Japanese.