Throughout 2024, the media encountered a fascinating array of words and phrases from around the world that not only reflect linguistic creativity but also highlight significant cultural, environmental, and societal changes.
These expressions invite us to delve into the richness of languages and their ability to shape how we understand the world around us.
From terms capturing a reindeer’s search for food in the Arctic to poetic descriptions of climate change, language proved to be a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural preservation. Along the way, we learned about twins crafting secret languages, researchers rediscovering ancient scripts lost to time, and unique words that express ideas untranslatable into English. Whether it’s an Amish term for subtle cravings or a Costa Rican motto of optimism, each word carries with it a world of meaning.
With over 3,000 languages endangered today, according to the Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages, these linguistic gems serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the diversity of human expression. Here are some of the most intriguing words we discovered this year, arranged alphabetically:
Ausgeapert (Alpine German)
This evocative term, used in German-speaking Alpine regions, refers to ancient artefacts or bodies revealed by melting glaciers. As climate change accelerates glacial retreat, the word has taken on new significance, symbolising both the fragility of our environment and the hidden histories emerging from the ice. These revelations are altering our understanding of life in the Alps and sparking urgent conversations about preserving these natural and historical treasures.
Cůme či’k t’ê? (Sarkese)
A phrase meaning “how are you?”, this greeting originates from Sark, a small British Crown Dependency near France. With only three native speakers remaining, Sarkese represents a dwindling variety of the Norman language, itself a blend of Norse and Old French. Its survival depends on efforts to document and revitalise the language, showcasing the challenge and beauty of preserving cultural heritage in modern times.
Ealát (North Sami)
This near-untranslatable term used by North Sami reindeer herders refers to favourable conditions allowing reindeer to dig through snow for lichen. The Sami people, spread across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, have a deeply interconnected relationship with their environment, evident in their extensive vocabulary for snow and reindeer. However, the rapidly changing Arctic climate threatens the relevance of many traditional terms, raising concerns about the loss of cultural and linguistic ties to nature.
Firkle (Antarctic Research Base English)
Meaning “to sort through or mess around,” this slang word emerged among scientists at the Rothera Research Station on Antarctica’s Adelaide Island. Six months of isolation fostered unique speech patterns, offering linguists insights into how languages evolve in isolated communities. These findings also shed light on historical linguistic divergences, such as those between British and American English.
Gluschdich (Pennsylvania Dutch)
This delightful Amish word expresses the feeling of wanting to eat despite not being hungry. Pennsylvania Dutch, a Germanic language developed by 18th-century settlers in the United States, thrives today thanks to the growing Amish population. The term embodies the deep connection between language, culture, and identity, as it persists in the everyday lives of its speakers.
Gwaan (Jamaican Patwa)
An exuberant expression of jubilation, gwaan is emblematic of Jamaican Patwa’s vibrant evolution. Born from the fusion of English and African languages during the 17th century, Patwa continues to thrive among Jamaicans and diaspora communities worldwide. Young speakers are embracing and blending it with global linguistic influences, enriching its dynamism and ensuring its survival for generations to come.
Inyeon (Korean)
This nuanced word encapsulates the idea of a predestined relationship, often tied to Buddhist beliefs in reincarnation. Popularised through the Oscar-nominated film Past Lives, it conveys the profound connections between people, even through seemingly fleeting interactions. Inyeon reminds us of the depth and poetry inherent in human relationships.
Kalo theke aalo (Bengali)
Literally translated as “from darkness to hope,” this phrase embodies the transition toward renewable energy and a brighter, more sustainable future. As nations grapple with the climate crisis, such language helps to communicate abstract, complex ideas in ways that resonate with diverse communities and inspire collective action.
Lóng juǎn fēng (Mandarin)
This poetic term for a tornado, meaning “swirling-dragon wind,” reflects how natural phenomena are often intertwined with cultural mythology. By naming and describing these awe-inspiring events through imagery, humans have long sought to understand their place in the universe and make sense of the forces shaping their world.
Pura vida (Costa Rican Spanish)
Translated as “pure life,” this Costa Rican expression conveys a spirit of optimism, gratitude, and resilience. More than a phrase, it is a way of life that encourages people to embrace the present moment and look on the bright side, even in challenging times. As we enter 2025, pura vida serves as an inspiring motto for the year ahead.
These words and phrases reveal how language captures the essence of human experience and adapts to reflect the changing world. They are not just tools for communication but cultural artefacts, carrying stories of joy, struggle, connection, and resilience. By celebrating them, we celebrate the richness of humanity itself.