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Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come From

Book Synopsis

Did you know that English words come from all over the world and that their meanings have changed along their journey? Our word ‘zero’ comes from the Arabic word for empty space. ‘Companion’ is from the Latin for with bread.

With simple descriptions and dazzling, evocative and witty illustrations, this is a fascinating introduction to the rich history and cultural diversity of our language.

Words included: karaoke (Japanese); zero (Arabic); guru (Sanskrit); ukulele (Hawaiian); jaguar (Tupi); royalty (Norman French); companion (Latin); kookaburra (Wradjuri); worm (Old English); mummy (Persian); caribou (Algonquin); safari (Swahili).

Our Review Panel says...

The book serves as an interesting introduction to linguistics that is best suited for dipping in and out of or flicking between the pages. The high ratio of illustrations to text gives a strong visual element, telling the stories behind the words as well as subtly drawing out the connections and layers of history behind each word origin. Each word chosen has a real sense of journey to it, building up across the anthology to emphasise the rich diversity of the English language and its heritage, which spans a multitude of ages and cultures across the globe…