English as a Sullen Language
from We Have Concerns Hosted by Jeff Cannata/Anthony Carboni
While investigating non-English words associated with positive emotions and concepts, a British researcher recently discovered 216 foreign words for which there is no English translation. The conclusion being that without words for so many positive emotions, perhaps English speakers represent a demonstrably less positive culture. Jeff and Anthony are both fascinated with language, but argue about whether this observation has any merit. We Have Concerns is entirely listener supported! To keep us ad-free and get early episodes/bonus content, check out our Patreon: http://patreon.com/wehaveconcerns Get all your sweet We Have Concerns merch by swinging by http://wehaveconcerns.com/shop Hey! If you’re enjoying the show, please take a moment to rate/review it on whatever service you use to listen. Here’s the iTunes link: http://bit.ly/wehaveconcerns And here’s the Stitcher link: http://bit.ly/stitcherwhc Jeff on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jeffcannata Anthony on Twitter: http://twitter.com/acarboni Today’s story was sent in by Alik Evans: http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2016/01/english-is-surprisingly-devoid-of-emotionally-positive-words/ If you’ve seen a story you think belongs on the show, send it to [email protected] or leave it on the subreddit: http://reddit.com/r/wehaveconcerns Support the show and get bonus episodes, videos, Discord community access and more! http://patreon.com/wehaveconcerns Jeff on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jeffcannata.bsky.social Anthony on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/acarboni.bsky.social
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While investigating non-English words associated with positive emotions and concepts, a British researcher recently discovered 216 foreign words for which there is no English translation. The conclusion being that without words for so many positive emotions, perhaps English speakers represent a demonstrably less positive culture. Jeff and Anthony are both fascinated with language, but argue about whether this observation has any merit.
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