The Deliciousness of Words – V

In continuation from earlier… Having come across a collection of some of the most evocative words in languages other than English that have no direct equivalents – and each of which having struck a chord in me – I’m going to post them a couple at a time, with explanations (not mine) and complementary visuals, for you to savour.

And guys, the usual request  – can we make this interactive, where you can also contribute some more in languages you speak / know, which I will compile?

This week, I know I’m too old to do this now, but remember those rainy days?

MA SHAKTI

Against the backdrop of the recent murder of a Pakistani model by her brother under the guise of “honour killing” and by similar unfortunate occurrences, including female foeticide, in our part of the world, here’s my (admittedly oblique) take, with my friend Nandita very kindly doing the honours in Hindi. With all the progress our countries have made, some social evils very evidently, still need to be stamped out.

KUN FAYAKUN

Kun Fayakun comes from Arabic words “Kun(كن)” which means “to be” or “to exist” and “fayakun (فيكون)” which  means “it is”. So its literal meaning is “Be, and it is”.

The Deliciousness of Words – IV

Thanks for being with me thus far!

RECAP: Continuing from the last time… Having come across a collection of some of the most evocative words in languages other than English that have no direct equivalents – and each of which having struck a chord in me – I’m going to post them a couple at a time, with explanations (not mine) and complementary visuals, for you to savour. And a request to all readers  – can we make this interactive, where you can also contribute some more in languages you speak / know, which I will compile?

For this week, the mystical, spiritual types. Read on…

3 Notes of Caution

Your Love Keeps Me Alive (Bilingual)

Although she’s no longer here on this forum, a shout out  and a big hand for Nandita for being her usual helpful self in assisting me with my Hindi!

The Deliciousness of Words – III

RECAP: Continuing from the last time… Having come across a collection of some of the most evocative words in languages other than English that have no direct equivalents – and each of which having struck a chord in me – I’m going to post them a couple at a time, with explanations (not mine) and complementary visuals, for you to savour. And a request to all readers  – can we make this interactive, where you can also contribute some more in languages you speak / know, which I will compile?

Ths time, Japanese, a little downbeat, about the current state of the world…

THINK FOR A MOMENT…

The Deliciousness of Words – II

RECAP: Continuing from the last time… Having come across a collection of some of the most evocative words in languages other than English that have no direct equivalents – and each of which having struck a chord in me – I’m going to post them a couple at a time, with explanations (not mine) and complementary visuals, for you to savour. And a request to all readers  – can we make this interactive, where you can also contribute some more in languages you speak / know, which I will compile?

So imagine this, Retrouvailles and then Cafuné…

TELL ME…

Why is it that the moon is the backdrop for romantic interludes
When the sun is the setting for a blazing death

Why is it that a spark aspires to be kindled
When the fire it grows into desires to be doused