The word “language” is a fundamental term that varies across languages, reflecting the unique linguistic and cultural contexts of each. In Spanish, the word for “language” is idioma or lengua, but how is this concept expressed in other languages? Here’s a list of how to say “language” in 30 different languages, showcasing the diversity of human expression:
- Spanish: Idioma or Lengua
- French: Langue
- German: Sprache
- Italian: Lingua
- Portuguese: Língua
- Russian: Язык (Yazyk)
- Chinese (Mandarin): 语言 (Yǔyán)
- Japanese: 言語 (Gengo)
- Korean: 언어 (Eoneo)
- Arabic: لغة (Lugha)
- Hindi: भाषा (Bhasha)
- Turkish: Dil
- Dutch: Taal
- Swedish: Språk
- Finnish: Kieli
- Polish: Język
- Greek: Γλώσσα (Glóssa)
- Hebrew: שפה (Safa)
- Thai: ภาษา (Phasa)
- Vietnamese: Ngôn ngữ
- Indonesian: Bahasa
- Malay: Bahasa
- Swahili: Lugha
- Zulu: Ulimi
- Irish Gaelic: Teanga
- Welsh: Iaith
- Hungarian: Nyelv
- Czech: Jazyk
- Danish: Sprog
- Norwegian: Språk
Interesting Observations
- Many Romance languages (e.g., Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese) use variations of the Latin word lingua to mean “language.”
- In some languages, like Malay and Indonesian, the word for “language” (Bahasa) is also used as a prefix for specific languages (e.g., Bahasa Indonesia for Indonesian).
- The word for “language” often shares roots with words for “tongue,” reflecting the physical organ’s role in speech.
A World of Words
The word “language” may be expressed differently across the globe, but its significance remains universal. It serves as a tool for communication, a marker of identity, and a bridge between cultures. By exploring how “language” is said in various languages, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and interconnectedness of human expression. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a traveler, or simply curious, this list is a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the world’s languages.