Calques, pronounced as /kælks/, is a term used in linguistics to refer to a loanword or phrase that has been directly translated from another language. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced with a short 'a' sound /æ/, followed by a hard 'k' sound /k/. The second syllable has a silent 'e', and the 's' is pronounced as /z/. The word ends with a soft 's' sound /s/. Keep in mind that proper spelling is important when it comes to language studies.
Calques are linguistic constructs that refer to the borrowing of individual words or phrases from one language into another. Specifically, a calque involves a more literal translation of the original word or phrase in the source language, resulting in a direct replication of its meaning within the target language. This borrowing process can occur due to different reasons, such as the need to fill lexical gaps in the target language or to express a concept that does not have a direct equivalent.
The term "calque" originates from the French word "calquer," which means "to trace" or "to copy." It reflects the process of imitation that takes place when a language borrows elements from another. Calques can be found in various aspects of language, including vocabulary, syntax, and idiomatic expressions.
However, while calques can be an efficient way to incorporate new concepts or ideas into a language, they also highlight the influence and interconnectedness of different linguistic systems. By adopting calques, languages can expand their lexicon and adapt to new cultural or technological changes.
Overall, calques represent the act of borrowing and adapting linguistic elements that reflect the cultural exchange between languages. They serve as a valuable tool to fill gaps and enrich the vocabulary of a language, while also demonstrating the intricate interplay between different linguistic systems.
The word "calques" comes from the French noun "calque", which is derived from the verb "calquer". In French, "calquer" means "to trace" or "to copy". "Calque" is used specifically in the context of language to refer to the process of borrowing a word or phrase from another language but translating it literally, maintaining the original structure and word order. This linguistic borrowing technique is known as a "calque". The English term "calques" is a pluralized form of "calque", referring to multiple instances of this borrowing technique.