嘉越．飛越

“Companion”, “Ukulele”, “Caribou”, “Mummy”, “Kookaburra”, “Zero”, “Worm”, “Royalty”, “Karaoke”, “Guru”, “Jaguar” and “Safari” — What do they mean? Where do they come from?

It is estimated that at least 750 million people use or speak English in their daily lives. While English may not be easier to learn than other languages like French, Spanish, etc., it has become the first global language. But how did this happen? The spread of English was not the result of legislation or a master plan. Rather, it is a complex story. Understanding how English became the dominant global language involves exploring its origins and development. Some historians, linguists and specialists have dedicated their studies to fields such as etymology, linguistics, language development, etc. to explore the origins of English words.

English, which has its roots in Latin, has inherited much of its vocabulary from languages such as French, Latin, Italian, and Spanish, while also borrowing from a variety of unrelated languages, such as Japanese, Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, Swahili, Chinese, etc. “Literally: amazing words and where they come from” is a great work for exploring the above twelve fascinating English words. The book uncovers the roots of these words, their original meanings and how their meanings have evolved over time. The stories behind these twelve chosen words are not only fascinating, but also useful for learning English because they highlight the geographical, historical and cultural connections between English words with similar roots, making it easier for you to expand your vocabulary in the future.

If you have a passion for exploring the history and cultural diversity of the English language, then this book is an essential addition to your collection. It will not only help you expand your vocabulary but also deepen your appreciation for the language.