Greek – PSi Lexicon

B C G H I L N R T V Α Β Γ Ή Θ Ι Κ Ν Ό Ρ Σ Τ Φ Ψ

lament

lament θρήνος The transubstantiation of the pain in a bodily, vocal and/or verbal performance. An expression of a very deep pain by crying, screaming and breast-hitting. A song, piece of music or poem expressing such emotion. For example: the ritual lament for the dead, performed collectively. See also: θρηνώδημα, θρηνωδία (θρήνος+ωδή, lament+ode). Etymology: θρηνώ (to lament), from the ancient […]

language, tongue

language, tongue γλώσσα There have been many linguists trying to interpret the meaning of the complicated term: ‘language’. In her book “Dictionary of Language and Linguistics” (1996), Hadumod Bussmann defines language as “a specific system of signs and combinatory rules which are arbitrary but passed on as conventions.” Language, she says, is a “vehicle for […]