Untranslatable emotions

Untranslatable emotions

All In The Mind

In English there's no single word to describe an anxiety about how much aeroplane flight is damaging our environment. But in Swedish the word for this anxiety is 'flygskam'. And perhaps, having a word for this specific emotion may change the way we think about it  Come on our tour of culture and language to explore some strange destinations and untranslatable emotions.

Thought-provokingInformativeEngagingAuthenticEducational

25:063 Nov 2019

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The Hidden Power of Untranslatable Emotions

Perhaps knowing that word would help you better understand your human experience and make you feel more connected to those in the world around you.

Ever felt something you couldn't quite put into words? In this episode of 'All In The Mind', the Australian Broadcasting Corporation takes you on a fascinating journey through language and emotions. Imagine having a word for the anxiety about how much flying harms the environment—Swedes call it 'flygskam'. Host Lynne Malcolm dives into how different cultures have unique words for emotions that don't directly translate into English, and what that means for our understanding of feelings.

Through engaging interviews with experts, you'll discover how these unique words can shape our perceptions and even our happiness. The episode doesn't just stop at the linguistic curiosity; it also explores how social cohesion and positive emotional experiences are intertwined. If you've ever wondered how language influences your emotions, this episode offers a fresh perspective. It's a thought-provoking listen that might just change the way you think about your own feelings.

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