This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Each language, as a living organism, is constantly changing, evolving and adapting to new conditions. The Ukrainian language is no exception. It was enriched and enriched by borrowings from other languages that came along with trade, wars, cultural exchanges and other historical events. Today I want to tell you about the history of borrowed words in the Ukrainian language, starting from German influences and ending with modern Anglicisms.
German borrowings. Influence of the Hanseatic League and the Austro-Hungarian Empire
The German language began to influence the Ukrainian language as early as the Middle Ages, when the Hanseatic League actively traded with Kievan Rus. The first German borrowings then appeared, particularly terms related to trade and crafts. For example, the word "kirka" (from the German "Kirche" – church) appeared precisely in that period.
Further influence of the German language took place during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when Western Ukraine was under its rule. Military terms, administrative concepts and everyday words entered the Ukrainian language thanks to close ties with the German-speaking population. The words "coat", "hospital", "accounting" – are all examples of German borrowings.
Polish borrowings. Common history and cultural ties
Polish borrowings in the Ukrainian language appeared in different historical periods, but they were especially active during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Common history, cultural exchanges and close proximity contributed to the penetration of Polish words into the Ukrainian language. For example, the words "interesting", "educator", "book" are of Polish origin.
Russian borrowings. Imperial and Soviet influence
Russian borrowing emerged during Ukraine's time as part of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Active Russification took place during this period, and many words related to administration, science, and technology entered the Ukrainian language. For example, the words "director", "office", "region" have Russian roots.
French and Italian borrowings. Fashion & Culture
French and Italian words entered the Ukrainian language mainly through cultural influence. French fashion, cooking and art brought words such as "restaurant", "menu", "facade". Italian words appeared alongside music, art and architecture: "piano", "aria", "balcony".
English borrowings. Modern global influence
Today, the English language has the greatest influence on Ukrainian thanks to globalization, the Internet and pop culture. Computers, technology, music, movies – all bring new anglicisms to our language. The words "computer", "management", "marketing", "wait" have become commonplace for a modern Ukrainian.
Borrowings from the English language are often adapted to Ukrainian grammar and phonetics, which makes them more organic to use. For example, the word "like" (from the English "like") has already become part of the everyday language of young people.
Let's consider more examples of borrowed words in the Ukrainian language, breaking them down by language of origin:
- Barrier – from the German "Schlagbaum".
- Battalion – from the German "Bataillon" (military unit).
- Zeitnot – from German "Zeitnot" (lack of time).
- Schnitzel – from German "Schnitzel" (meat dish).
- Lantern – from Polish "latarni" (lamp).
- Circle – from Polish "kółko" (club, circle).
- Tinsmith – from Polish "blacharz" (metal master).
- Charlatan – from Polish "szarlatan" (fraudster).
- Curtse – by French "révérence" (worship).
- Cavalier – from the French "cavalier" (knight).
- Bust – from French "buste" (head and chest sculpture).
- Porcelain – from Italian "porcellana" (ceramics).
- Sonnet – from Italian "sonetto" (poem).
- Computer – from English "computer".
- File – from the English "file" (document).
- Chat – from the English "chat" (conversation on the Internet).
- Coffee – from Turkish "kahve".
- Tea – from Turkish "çay" (tea).
- Sausage – from Turkish "kavurma" (meat product).
- Janissary – from Turkish "yeniçeri" (military).
- Icon – from the Greek "εἰκών" (image).
- Library – from the Greek "βιβλιοθήκη" (place for storing books).
- Philosophy – from the Greek "φιλοσοφία" (love of wisdom).
- Academy – from the Greek "ἀκαδημία" (educational institution).
- Album – from the Latin "album" (book for recordings).
- Doctor – from the Latin "doctor" (teacher, doctor).
- Magnet – from the Latin "magnes" (magnetic stone).
- University – from the Latin "universitas" (collection).
- Algebra – from Arabic "on account ⁇ ⁇ " (restoration).
- Azimuth – from Arabic "by ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ '" (path, direction).
- Alchemy – from Arabic "on behalf of ⁇ ⁇ OLYΚ ⁇ ⁇ " (chemistry).
- Sahar – from Arabic " ⁇ PLY'S" (sugar).
The Ukrainian language, like any other, has always been in the process of change and enrichment. Borrowings from different languages helped her develop and adapt to new conditions. From German traders to modern English technology, these words have become an integral part of our linguistic heritage. And who knows, maybe tomorrow we will hear new interesting borrowings that will become part of our daily communication.
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