I think we are missing a word, which would be the equivalent to "sympathetique" in French or "sympatichni" in Russian. If someone is sympathetic, it means that they sympathize with a certain point of view or individual. If you have sympathy for someone, it means that person has suffered a tragedy and you are sorry. But I don't see an equivalent for the word that exists in French or Russian. Can you think of other examples?
2006-12-03 06:29:06 · 5 answers · asked by Zelda Hunter 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Oops! I think the French word is actually "sympatique". Isn't it?
2006-12-03 08:04:44 · update #1
The word "love" in English.
We use the same word to describe brotherly love, the love one has for his/her children/ parents, pets and even drinks. It seems pretty silly that "I love coffee" could be anywhere close to the romantic statement, "I love you".
Other languages make distinctions between the different types of love.
2006-12-03 07:08:14 · answer #1 · answered by Just Wondering 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are no flaws in any language. Some concepts (names of concepts actually) may not have exact counterparts in every language, but certainly each language is capable of allowing its speakers to talk about each and every concept just in a different way.
2006-12-03 15:04:21 · answer #2 · answered by Earthling 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every language that has a grammar rule, and then exceptions to the rule is flawed.
For instance...
I before E except after C.
Unless you have words like Biege, etc etc etc.
2006-12-03 17:41:03 · answer #3 · answered by Jagg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes there are several of them. But what about A E I O U and sometimes Y aren't things mixed up enough?
2006-12-03 14:38:42 · answer #4 · answered by Linda and rickey L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good example! I also think that the pronunciation is inconsistent in a lot of cases.
2006-12-03 14:34:01 · answer #5 · answered by Tahini Classic 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋