By Angélique Glennon
Did you know that the way you see the world is shaped by the words you know? Take the color “mauve,” for example. In English, this word is borrowed from French, where “mauve” refers to a specific plant—known as “mallow” in English—that gives us this unique color. Because French has a word for it, you’ll often find “mauve” used in the fashion industry, especially when it’s trending.
Here is the color. It is “mauve” [Pronounce it: mowv]
This is just one example, but it illustrates an important point: when you don’t have a word for something, it’s harder to see it clearly. Instead, you try to make it familiar by comparing it to something else you already know. You might say, “Oh, that color is like purple with a hint of pink.” But without a specific word, the color doesn’t fully come into focus.
Words create concepts. At some point, humans decided that a flat surface about hip height with four legs would be called a “table.” Once you have that word, you can recognize a “table,” even if it’s shorter, taller, round, square, or even has three legs. It’s still a table!
When you learn a new language, it’s crucial to grasp the vocabulary and syntax. Take the word “my”—a simple possessive adjective in English. In Spanish, this concept expands into two words, giving you a deeper understanding of possession. More words equal more power, and suddenly, your vision of the world has doubled.
In French, there are three words for “river,” each describing a different type. If you only speak English, you might see just one, but you see three distinct entities in French. This vocabulary richness opens up new ways of seeing and understanding the world around you.
Expanding your vocabulary is not just about learning new words; it’s about unlocking new perspectives and deepening your understanding of the world. Each word you learn adds a new layer to how you experience life, enabling you to see, think, and express yourself in ways you never imagined. So, as you continue to explore new languages and words, remember that you’re not just learning to speak differently—you’re also creating a new world for yourself, one word at a time.
