podcastsinenglish Level 2.171 Orange tea
Sep 16, 2021
Discover the intriguing origins of the fruit and drink names we often take for granted. Explore how the word 'orange' traces back to Asia and its Arabic roots. Learn about the sweet orange's journey through Portuguese trade. The podcast delves into tea's evolution, highlighting the distinction between 'chai' and 'tea'. Journey along the Silk Road to find chai's impact on Eastern Europe while maritime routes reveal the Dutch influence on tea terminology. Historical trade patterns shape our modern language in fascinating ways!
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How 'Orange' Traveled Into European Languages
- The English word 'orange' comes via Arabic naranj and Romance languages from Asia where oranges originated.
- Portuguese trade spread the sweet orange name so many languages call the fruit after Portugal.
Portuguese Role In Spreading Sweet Oranges
- The Portuguese brought the sweet orange to Europe, so some languages name the fruit after Portugal.
- Examples include Turkish portugalo, Bulgarian portugal and Arabic bortugal.
Why Some Languages Say Tea and Others Say Chai
- The words 'tea' and 'cha/chai' both come from Chinese but via different trade routes and dialects.
- 'Chai' came overland via the Silk Road; 'tea' (te) spread via coastal trade routes used by the Dutch.