Adaptation Of English Words Into Native Language

[Baburra]

I've always found it fascinating when some English words just can't be translated and they end up just being adapted. I often wonder why they even change the spelling and pronunciation to begin with, but I suppose it's just part of the rules of every individual country with their language. For example, I know that in Filipino, some English words like cupcake will be translated into "Kupkeyk" because a literal translation would just sound even sillier, and when it comes to Japan, they adapt so many English terms and words all the time especially for new terminologies such as "Let's Play" type of videos for video games, and if I'm not mistaken they call it "Retsu-preyu", among many other things.

Any notable adaptations in your own language, and do you use it often? I personally find it unnecessary and would rather just state the American spelling, but of course, I don't speak for the whole land. Your thoughts?

[justusforus]

This is a fascinating topic and I would like to clarify.  Are you saying there are some words or phrases that just do not have a corollary in certain languages.  So for a cupcake are you saying they use a different world like "muffin" that is close but is not literally accurate?

[Baburra]

This is a fascinating topic and I would like to clarify.  Are you saying there are some words or phrases that just do not have a corollary in certain languages.  So for a cupcake are you saying they use a different world like "muffin" that is close but is not literally accurate?

Glad you think so! I was pertaining more to just changing the spelling and pronunciation, but more or less retaining the exact word, because translating the whole term literally would sound too silly. For example, translating both "cup" and "cake" would sound a bit too off, so a native language would just adapt the word as a whole and translate it into a more familiar spelling. Hope that made sense.