Ray S S
Silver Member
Four linguists were dharing a compartment on a train on their way to an international conference on sound
symbolism. One was English, one Spanish, one French, and the fourth, German. Thay got into a discussion on whose language was the most eloquent and euphonious.
The English linguist said, "Why, English is the most eloquent language, take for instance the word 'butterfly'.
Butterfly, butterfly.... doesn't that word so beautifully express the way this delicate insect flies? It's like
flutter-by, flutter-by."
"Oh, no!" said the Spanish linguist."The word for 'butterfly' in Spanish is 'maripose'. Now this word expresses
so beautifully the vibrant colours on the butterfly's wings. What could be a more apt name for such a brilliant
creature? Spanish is the most eloquent language.
"Papillon!" says the French linguist."Papillon!. This word expresses the fragility of the butterfly's wings
and body. This is the most fitting name for such a delicate and ethereal creature? French is the most eloquent
language.
At this the German linguist stands up, and demands
"Und vot is rongk mit 'SCHMETTERLING?"
symbolism. One was English, one Spanish, one French, and the fourth, German. Thay got into a discussion on whose language was the most eloquent and euphonious.
The English linguist said, "Why, English is the most eloquent language, take for instance the word 'butterfly'.
Butterfly, butterfly.... doesn't that word so beautifully express the way this delicate insect flies? It's like
flutter-by, flutter-by."
"Oh, no!" said the Spanish linguist."The word for 'butterfly' in Spanish is 'maripose'. Now this word expresses
so beautifully the vibrant colours on the butterfly's wings. What could be a more apt name for such a brilliant
creature? Spanish is the most eloquent language.
"Papillon!" says the French linguist."Papillon!. This word expresses the fragility of the butterfly's wings
and body. This is the most fitting name for such a delicate and ethereal creature? French is the most eloquent
language.
At this the German linguist stands up, and demands
"Und vot is rongk mit 'SCHMETTERLING?"
