Module 5: German Loan Words

English is a language that has  evolved greatly over time in response to the influences of other cultures/languages with which English speakers have come into contact. As a result, English is largely a compilation of words taken from other languages. 

English is traditionally a Germanic language and evolved in tandem with the languages of the Saxon, Angle and Jute Germanic tribes in the mid to late 400's (Harley, 2006). As such, many of the words in the English language have Germanic origins. Some of these words are more obvious than others and stand out as noticeable loan words (Bratwurst, Gesundheit etc.). Other words are so commonplace that the average individual may not even realize the word in question has a Germanic origin.

One loan word I find particularity compelling is the word doppelganger (Not only is the etymology of the word interesting but it is also fun to say:). This word is used to describe an individual that looks identical in appearance to another individual you may know. It originates from the German word doppelgänger which is composed of two smaller words Doppel (which translates to double) and Gänger (which translates to a person walking/going to a destination). As such doppelgänger literally means a double walker. It was first coined in 1796 when an German author was describing the German mythological concept that every individual has a "spiritual equivalent" version of themselves that is their constant companion throughout life (Merriam Webster Online, 2016). It was then picked up by English speakers after the book was published. 

Doppelgänger of actor Matthew Mcconaughey

There are many more such examples of German loan words in English. I am constantly fascinated by the changes that occur to a language when different people and cultures interact. 

T

References

Harley, Heidi. 2006.  English Words: A Linguistic Introduction.  Malden, MA. Blackwell.

Merriam Webster Online. (2016). "Doppelganger". Merriam Webster. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doppelg%C3%A4nger (accessed September 19, 2016)