Calque

Definition

A calque is a type of loan translation where a foreign word or phrase is translated literally into the target language, maintaining the original meaning while using native elements. This process allows languages to expand their vocabulary by adopting concepts from other languages without directly borrowing the term itself. Calques often reflect cultural or social exchanges between communities and can lead to the enrichment of the target language.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Calques can be seen in various languages, where terms are translated directly rather than borrowed, such as 'skyscraper' becoming 'grattacielo' in Italian.
2. The process of creating calques often occurs during periods of intense cultural contact between speakers of different languages.
3. Calques can reveal underlying cultural values and ideas, as they often reflect the way speakers of the target language interpret foreign concepts.
4. In English, examples of calques include 'superman' from the German 'Übermensch' and 'to take for granted' from the French 'prendre pour acquis.'
5. Calques can contribute to language change and evolution, highlighting how languages adapt to new realities and concepts introduced by other cultures.

Review Questions

• How does a calque differ from a loanword in terms of language adaptation?
  • A calque differs from a loanword in that it translates the meaning of a foreign term into native elements rather than adopting the term itself. While loanwords retain their original form and phonetics from the source language, calques reconstruct the concept using equivalent words in the target language. This means that calques not only borrow meaning but also adapt linguistically, showcasing the creative potential of language in response to foreign influences.
• Discuss how calques can provide insights into cultural exchanges between languages.
  • Calques offer valuable insights into cultural exchanges by highlighting how languages interpret and incorporate foreign concepts. When a calque is created, it reflects not just a direct translation but also an understanding of the cultural context surrounding that concept. This process often occurs during significant interactions between cultures, allowing us to see which ideas were important enough to warrant translation and how they were perceived in the receiving culture.
• Evaluate the impact of calques on the development and evolution of a language over time.
  • Calques significantly impact the development and evolution of a language by facilitating the incorporation of new concepts and ideas without resorting to direct borrowing. This enriches vocabulary and allows for greater flexibility in expression, promoting linguistic creativity. Over time, the use of calques can lead to shifts in linguistic norms and practices, as they reflect changing cultural landscapes and social realities. The ongoing use of calques also helps maintain relevance in an increasingly interconnected world, demonstrating how languages adapt dynamically.

Related terms

loanword:

A loanword is a word adopted from one language and incorporated into another without translation, often retaining its original form.

neologism:

A neologism is a newly coined word or expression that may be formed from existing words or phrases, often emerging in response to cultural changes.

semantic shift:

A semantic shift refers to the evolution of a word's meaning over time, which can occur through processes such as calquing or metaphorical extension.