Suitcase words have many potential meanings, and their interpretation is highly context-dependent

In this second series on troublesome words, I want to look at common problems for people learning English as a second language.

Raising bilingual children can be challenging, but it is also rewarding — for parents and children alike.

Ferdinand de Saussure was a Swiss linguist who pioneered theories on the communication of meaning. He proposed a two-part model of...

Such was Shakespeare’s ability to put the human experience into words that he famously coined hundreds of words and expressions , many...

I consider myself very lucky to have dual nationality; I have two countries. Two cultures. Two languages? It’s complicated… Born to an...

“ Activité ” is another one of those words that is superficially similar to its English equivalent, with the same etymology and many...

Poor corporate communication is so ubiquitous that it has almost become a cliché in itself. The Internet abounds with articles and memes ...

The fall and rise of the humble baguette.

Bill Bryson claims that “200,000 words are in common use” in the English language compared to “a mere 100,000” in French. The case of “métier” certainly goes some way to helping me believe that statistic.

“ Efficace ”: What does it mean? Effective? Efficient? Efficacious? All of these things? What it the best way to translate it? Let's...

The word "enjeux" originally meant the sum you are willing to gamble in a game. This blog discusses how to translate it in a modern context.

How many translators does it take to screw in a light bulb? It depends on the context…. Translating " partage " by "sharing" might seem...

There are subtle differences in how the word “performance” is used in French and English, which can be seen in the difference between the...

Another look at false friends and misleading mates.

In this third instalment of my series on worrisome, wearying words I want to look at “ intervenant ”. Larousse provides the following...

The curious case of "animer”: A common word with a surprisingly elusive meaning.

The notion that a group of 99 women and 1 man should be referred to as “ils” never sat well with me.