Back to topics

Kindergarten and the journey of a borrowed word

When English speakers talk about sending a child to 'kindergarten,' few stop to think that they are speaking German, literally 'children's garden.' The word entered English in the nineteenth century alongside Friedrich Fröbel's early-childhood education movement, illustrating how languages borrow words when they adopt new cultural ideas.

3–5 min

Questions you could explore

  • What does the history of “kindergarten” reveal about its parts?
  • How can a borrowed word's meaning change after it enters another language?

Start reading

Ready to try your ideas aloud?

Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.

Language

How much can six braille dots say?

A braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

3–5 min

How much can six braille dots say?

Language3–5 minA braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

Language

ASL has its own grammar

American Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

3–5 min

ASL has its own grammar

Language3–5 minAmerican Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

Language

Who decides when a new word belongs in a dictionary?

A new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

3–5 min

Who decides when a new word belongs in a dictionary?

Language3–5 minA new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

Kindergarten and the journey of a borrowed word | Speech Topic | speaking.app