I am quebecoise. My American lover just pointed out to me that French, the language of the lands of great gastronomy, does not have words to compare to the English ones for subtle differences in taste: spicy vs tangy vs zesty. We use "piquante" for all but they are for sure not the same; we can also translate "tangy" to "saveur forté" but that too is not quite right as there are many strong tasting things that are not tangy. How has French not developed or appropriated comparable words? Has l'acadamie française ever considered this?
2006-12-04 10:56:57 · 8 answers · asked by Lisa 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I'm sure there are words, conversely, in French for which there are no English words. :) Maintenant...Ca va bien?
2006-12-04 11:03:50 · answer #1 · answered by Flyleaf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always thought the Francophones were reticent in foreign words dirtying their beautiful language. The English language has been by far more accomodating in assimilating foreign words and creating new words whether or not there is a need. But even English has its limits. There are some words in Kapampangan (my native language, a Filipino tongue) that have no equivalent in English, e.g. mangigil.
Mais, peut-être, il y a des mots vieux qui personne n'utilise jamais et qu'on decrit le sensations que vous voulez decrire.
Pardon my French ^_^. I don't use it much.
2006-12-04 19:15:10 · answer #2 · answered by joycedomingo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Idefix has some good ideas.
However, dear Idefix, it is: la cuisine française est à incriminer.
And to Lisa:
Shouldn’t it be: Il n’y a pas DE mots en français?
Sorry to be so smartaleckish, but it is language we are talking about.
So let’s use it correctly!!!
2006-12-06 10:53:12 · answer #3 · answered by saehli 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
et pimenté, relevé, corsé, salé, gouteux, piquant...alors
Peut-être que l'Académie Française n'y est pour rien. Seule la gastronomie Française est à incriminée : la cuisine épicée n'est vraiment pas populaire en France.
2006-12-04 19:09:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps there is no real need for such specificity. I am French, and was raised in the Caribbean. It always seemed in conversation that there were enough emotions and words to describe tastes.
You bring up a good point. So, contact them!!! Let us know what they say... :)
2006-12-04 19:00:10 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Saffire♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, is gastronomy a word? If so your english is better than mine.
2006-12-04 18:58:17 · answer #6 · answered by motorcitysmadman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are probably too busy with plans for "le weekend" or on "le greve" to worry.
2006-12-04 18:59:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good point, but there is nothing we can do about it.
2006-12-04 19:06:02 · answer #8 · answered by Martha P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋