A new series based on the etymology of the word 'language' as
LANG - WAGE - SLAVE (or SALVE - notice how these words are the same words in disguise: slave and salvation: you shall absolve yourself by the WAGE!
The etymology of "language" offers a fascinating glimpse into how words can carry hidden connections and meanings. Let's break down some intriguing components: "lang," "wage," and their ties to "slave" and "salve."
The word "language" stems from the Latin "lingua," meaning "tongue." This origin directly links to the physical organ used for speech, highlighting the fundamental human connection to communication.
Wage: The Price of Labor
The term "wage" has roots in the Old North French "wagier," meaning "to pledge" or "to pay." In its essence, it refers to compensation for labor, a concept deeply embedded in economic and social structures.
Interestingly, "wedding" and "wage" share a common root in the Old English "wedd," meaning "a pledge." A wedding, therefore, is historically seen as a formal pledge or contract, akin to a wage being a pledge of payment for services rendered.
Slave: A History of Servitude
The word "slave" traces back to the Medieval Latin "sclavus," which referred to Slavs, a group of people from Eastern Europe who were often enslaved in the Middle Ages. This connection illustrates how specific groups' names can become synonymous with servitude due to historical circumstances.
The Old Slavic root "*orbu," meaning "a thing that changes allegiance," contributes to the concept of a slave as someone whose loyalty shifts from themselves to their master.
"Salve" comes from the Latin "salvō," meaning "to save" or "to heal." This word shares an interesting phonetic similarity with "slave," though their meanings diverge significantly. However, one could poetically argue that through the wage (labor), one might find salvation (financial stability or self-worth), thus intertwining their fates linguistically and conceptually.
"Wage slavery" is a term that critiques the exploitation of labor where individuals are dependent on wages for survival, often under poor conditions. This modern usage underscores the historical parallels between economic dependence and actual slavery.
13 сен 2024
