When you listen to someone speaking in a foreign language that you’re unfamiliar with, can you pick up any meaning? Surprisingly, most people can because a lot of body language is universal, and up to 90% of all communication is nonverbal. However, most of spoken language isn’t universal, and there is a very limited number of words which are the same across all languages. Modern linguists are beginning to study these universal words.
Mark Dingemanse is researching one of these rare words. What’s remarkable about this universal word is that it conveys the meaning of “I don’t understand.” The word ‘huh?’ is a universal term understood in almost every language.
In some circles, the word ‘huh?’ is perceived as a bit crude. It’s often considered informal and impolite to use, except in highly casual situations. While that may be true, the fact that countless diverse languages use this word makes it one of the most significant words globally.
Dingemanse has been studying ten different languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Icelandic, and indigenous languages from Australia, Ecuador, and Ghana. Each of these languages uses a unique version of ‘huh?’. Although the word’s pronunciation varies slightly in each language, it’s spoken using the same movements of the mouth and tongue.
Some people have attempted to debunk this theory, claiming that ‘huh?’ is merely a sound, not a word. Dingemanse firmly sticks by his theory. He argues that ‘huh?’ is indeed a word, as it lacks an equal in the animal kingdom, unlike roars and grunts. Additionally, children don’t use ‘huh?’ until they start speaking in actual words.
Since ‘huh?’ is used all over the world, this implies that you’re acquainted with at least one word in every language. If someone communicates something to you that you don’t understand, uttering ‘huh?’ might prompt them to repeat their previous statement.
While ‘huh?’ may not be particularly beneficial when traveling, it does offer insight into the commonalities shared by all humans. All people cry over loss. All people smile when they’re happy. And apparently, we all share at least one word. What’s your opinion? Is ‘huh?’ a word, or could it be something more primal, akin to a laugh or a scream?
Vocabulary
- pick up
1. become aware of or sensitive to something
2. learn something without trying hard - body language
the way people communicate using facial expressions and physical movements - in some circles
among certain groups of people - a bit
a small piece of something; slightly; a little - stick by something/someone
continue to support or believe in something or someone all over the world: in every part of the world - all over the world
in every part of the world
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