Monday, December 11, 2006

Folk Etymology

Folk Etymology
2006.12.11 3:30

As a writer, I am very aware of the origin of words. Japanese ancient word 'Inishie' is so similar to Latin word 'Initiare'. Both means ' To begin with'
Japanese term for expressing thanks is 'Arigatoh' which is very similar to Latin word ' Obligato'. In English there's an expression 'Much obliged'.
The name in English is 'Namae' in Japanese.
Those are called folk etymology, but they reflect some truth. If these words are common, many people don't have to feel trouble. These words might be common from ancient times.

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