New York: Levenger/ Walker & Co. 2004 127 pp $14
This is a wonderfully enriching collection of juicy words from cultures around the world. The author is to be commended for the breadth of his trolling in the waters of many nations to bring together this feast of insights - into national and cultural diversities, humor, pathos, and creativity, suggesting aspects of the human condition that we may have overlooked, and enhancing our appreciation of life in its infinite variations.
Here are but a few of the many new terms I learned:
Drachenfutter [drach-ern-foot-er] (noun) Meaning the "dragon fodder," this is the offering German husbands make to their wives-breathing raging fire at the cave entrance-when they've stayed out late or they have otherwise engaged in some kind of inappropriate behavior. A nice box of chocolates, or some flowers perhaps to mask the beer fumes. (German; p. 27)
ilunga [ee-lun-ga] (noun) This word from the Tshiluba language of the Republic of Congo has topped a list drawn up with the help of one thousand translators as the most untranslatable word in the world. It describes a person who is ready to forgive any transgression a first time and then to tolerate it for a second time, but never for a third time. (African - Tshiluba; p. 79) Caim [kyem] (noun) The word means literally Ôa sanctuary.' It's an imaginary circle made around the body with the hand. It serves as a ring of protection. (Scottish/Gaelic/Irish; p. 112)
sian [shee-ern] (noun) Soft and sorrowful music full of enchantment, which can be heard coming from a fairy knoll. (Irish; p. 113)
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