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What happens when English borrows a word?

English speakers can use “kindergarten” without speaking German. The word entered English from German and became part of English vocabulary. Following a loanword back to its source shows how languages share material, without requiring every borrowed word to keep its original spelling or pronunciation unchanged.

3–5 min

Questions you could explore

  • What does the history of “kindergarten” reveal about its parts?

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Language

How much can six braille dots say?

A braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

3–5 min

How much can six braille dots say?

Language3–5 minA braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

Language

ASL has its own grammar

American Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

3–5 min

ASL has its own grammar

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Why is a newly spotted word not automatically a dictionary entry?

Language3–5 minA new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

What happens when English borrows a word? | Speech Topic | speaking.app