Radio Omniglot

In this Adventure in Etymology we unravel the woven origins of the word wave. As verb, to wave [wɛjv / weɪv] can mean to move back and forth repeatedly and somewhat loosely; to move one’s hand back and forth in greeting or departure; to call attention to by a waving motion, or to have an […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Ngambay, a Central Sudanic language spoken in Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria. Ineseño (Sʰamala), a Chumashan language that was spoken in southern California in the USA and that is being revived. Tungag (Lavongai), a Western Oceanic language spoken in New Ireland Province in Papua […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we discover the origins of the word influence. Influence [ˈɪn.flu.əns] can refer to the power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; an action exerted by a person or thing on another to cause change, or a person or thing exerting such power or action. In astrology, influence is […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Koyrasboro Senni (كࣷيْرَبࣷرࣷ سٜنِّ), a Southern Songhay language spoken in southern Mali. Tuwali, a Philippine language spoken the Province of Ifugao in northern Luzon in the Philippines. Nga La (Matu), a Southern Kuki-Chin language spoken western Myanmar and northeastern India. New numbers page: […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we point out the origins of the word index. An index [ˈɪndɛks] is an alphabetical listing of items and their location; the index finger; a movable finger on a gauge, scale, etc (other meanings are available). As a verb to index can mean to arrange an index for something; to […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Shi (Mashi), a Northeast Bantu language spoken in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ikwo, an Igboid language spoken in Ebonyi and Cross River states in southern Nigeria. Ngaing, a Finisterre language spoken in the south of Madang Province of […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we discover the odd origins of the word awkward. Meanings of awkward [ˈɔːk.wəd / ˈɔk.wɚd] include: lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments; not easily managed or effected; embarrassing; lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction; difficult to handle. It comes from awk, an obsolete […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Yali (Yalimo), a Trans-New-Guinea language spoken in Papua province of Indonesia. Western Bukidnon Manobo (Minenub’ù), a Greater Central Philippine language spoken in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines. (the 2,400th language on Omniglot, by the way) Komba, a Finisterre-Huon language spoken in […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Thao (Thau a lalawa), a Formosan language spoken near Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. Cara, a Plateau language spoken in Plateau State in central Nigeria. Eleme, a Cross River language spoken in Rivers State in southeast Nigeria. Waimoa (Waima’a), a Timoric language […]