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International Study Reveals How Brazilian Words Considered Untranslatable Intrigue Linguists and Highlight Unique Nuances of National Culture, Challenging Limits of Translation and Expanding the Debate on Linguistic Diversity.
The universe of untranslatable words has aroused growing interest among linguistics and psychology researchers worldwide.
A study conducted by Tim Lomas from Harvard University, presented in 2016 in the Journal of Positive Psychology, brought to light various unique expressions that challenge direct translation and help reveal fundamental aspects of the cultures in which they originated.
Among the languages analyzed, Brazilian Portuguese stood out with notable examples, contributing to the global discussion about the richness and limits of language.
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At the center of Lomas’s research is the concept of “untranslatable words”, terms that, even with detailed explanations, do not find exact equivalents in other languages.
Among them, “saudade” stands out, considered by many scholars as one of the most emblematic words in the Portuguese language.
The term, often defined as the simultaneous presence of nostalgia, longing, and melancholy in the absence of someone or something, goes beyond a simple translation.
“Saudade” gained international visibility as an example of how certain feelings are experienced and understood in distinctly different ways across cultures.
The study also highlighted other Brazilian expressions that intrigue linguists, such as “desbundar”.
This word, little known outside of Brazil, refers to the act of freeing oneself from inhibitions to fully enjoy a situation, whether it be a party, a new experience, or a moment of relaxation.
Another noteworthy expression is “desenrascanço”, used in Portugal and understood by Brazilians, which denotes the ability to creatively and improvisationally solve problems in the face of unexpected obstacles.
These expressions, alongside many others cataloged, reveal unique traits of national identity.
Untranslatable Words Broaden Cultural Understanding
But why do certain words, like “saudade”, intrigue scholars worldwide?
According to the Harvard research, the existence of these untranslatable terms broadens understanding of the cultural and emotional particularities of a people.
They force those learning another language to dive into layers of meaning that would not be perceived through mere literal translations.
For Tim Lomas, “these words are small windows into the inner workings of cultures.”
Thus, the study of untranslatable words proves essential for bringing people and societies closer together, as well as fostering respect for the different ways of feeling and expressing oneself.
Portuguese, however, is not the only language that presents this challenge to translators and researchers.
Lomas’s study brought together terms from dozens of languages.
From Finnish, for example, comes “sisu”, a word that defines an internal strength and resilience in the face of adversity, a valued cultural trait in that country.
In Arabic, “tarab” refers to the ecstasy or emotional rapture provided by musical experiences, while in Tagalog, from the Philippines, “gigil” describes the irresistible urge to squeeze something or someone due to an excess of affection.
All these terms, like the Brazilian expressions, reveal how each society creates its own ways of dealing with emotions and everyday situations.
Expressions That Reflect Identity and Linguistic Diversity
Untranslatable words play a central role in the preservation and diversification of languages.
In the context of Portuguese, “desbundar” can be understood as a reflection of a festive and irreverent spirit present in Brazilian daily life, while “desenrascanço” reveals creativity as a strategy in the face of difficulties.
The term “saudade”, in turn, carries a melancholic aspect typical of the Lusophone cultural heritage.
In Mirandese, a minority language officially recognized in Portugal, there are equivalents such as “suidade”, “zbundar”, and “zamrascanço”, indicating that these nuances are also preserved in smaller linguistic communities.
The Mirandese Language and Culture Association has emphasized the importance of valuing and protecting expressions and minority languages.
According to the entity, recording and maintaining words that have no literal translation contributes to strengthening global cultural diversity.
According to specialists, “when a word is lost, a way of seeing the world is also lost.”
The discussion about untranslatable words, therefore, goes beyond mere curiosity and gains relevance in the fight for the preservation of humanity’s intangible heritage.
Social Function and Relevance of Untranslatable Words
In addition to enriching vocabularies, words that challenge direct translation can serve as instruments of emotional and social connection between different peoples.
They stimulate empathy and understanding of diverse experiences, bringing cultures closer together even amidst differences.
The academic recognition of these terms, as pointed out by the Harvard study, reinforces the value of languages considered peripheral and encourages the maintenance of traditional knowledge passed down orally across generations.
Researchers highlight that the debate surrounding expressions like “saudade,” “desbundar,” and “desenrascanço” also has practical applications in areas such as education, psychology, and translation, as it encourages reflection on the limits and possibilities of intercultural communication.
The registration of these terms in studies and specialized dictionaries contributes to a richer exchange between different societies.
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