CORONA NEW VOCABULARY

Good morning, everyone, and happy New Year once again!

As we find ourselves still in the midst of this ongoing lockdown season, it feels as though time has stood still. I understand that it’s a challenging time for us all, but let’s continue to remain strong and hold onto hope.

While we may not be able to return to our normal routines just yet, perhaps we can view this period as an opportunity to truly appreciate life and its simple joys. What do you think?

Today, I want to explore how the meaning of certain words has shifted during this time. Have you noticed it too? Words that once held positive connotations now carry a different weight in light of the pandemic.

For instance, we used to praise positivity, but now being around a “positive” person can be risky due to the potential for infection. Even something as fundamental as human touch has taken on a different meaning, as we navigate the necessity of social distancing.

Words like “quarantine,” “restrictions,” “closed,” “ambulance,” “hospital,” “vaccine,” “infected,” and “dead” have become a part of our daily vocabulary, evoking feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety.

However, amidst these challenging times, there are words that continue to offer hope and strength. While they may be familiar, let’s not overlook their significance:

“Home,” “family,” “Earth,” “savings,” “love,” “hugs,” “health,” and many more. Let’s hold onto these words, as they can serve as sources of motivation in our daily lives.

Perhaps the most important word right now is “patience.” We must remain patient as we wait for better days ahead and approach this situation with a positive mindset. Additionally, let’s not forget the importance of gratitude. Despite the difficulties, we can be grateful for what we have, including the ability to connect with loved ones through social media.

My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones or livelihoods due to this virus. Know that you are not alone, and I stand with you during these challenging times. Personally, I am grateful for my health, my family, and the everyday comforts that I have.

Let’s continue to hold onto hope and strive for a better future.

Good luck to each and every one of you!

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The world of the dictionary

Today, with the advent of the Internet, the use of traditional dictionaries has diminished. The new generation may not even know how the pages of a dictionary smell or how enjoyable it can be to search for words manually!

A dictionary provides comprehensive explanations about words, and as I continue reading “L’italiano è bello” (Italian is Nice) by Mariangela Galatea Vaglio, I have discovered intriguing information about the origins of the very first Italian dictionary and the first academy that validates every new word to be accepted as part of the Italian language.

At the end of the 16th century, Italians spoke a vernacular language. Following Dante’s works in the 14th century, which were written in a more elegant Florentine Italian than the vernacular, writers thought to establish a grammar for the Florentine language. They believed that having rules would simplify writing and speaking for themselves and future writers.

In 1583, The Accademia della Crusca was founded. If translated into English, it would be The Bran Academy, metaphorically representing the language ground in all its words, which are like cereals. Initially, it was a club where writers gathered to discuss literature and linguistic issues. Today, it serves as the national and official academy where new Italian words are incorporated into the language.

In 1612, the first Italian dictionary was published. All words were listed in alphabetical order, and each word included several examples based on different contexts.

All of Europe began to follow the Italian example. This undoubtedly helped the writers of that time and continues to aid modern writers.

I emphasize the importance of keeping dictionaries alive and actually using them, as their main purpose is to educate, inform, and enrich our intelligence.

The book I’m reading is fascinating, and I will certainly share more insights from it in future articles. There is always something new to learn!

Do you use your native language dictionary?

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