Mastering Language Connections
Did you know that you already speak a portion of your target language without even trying?
One of the fastest ways to build your vocabulary is to identify "cognates" and "loanwords."
These are words that share a common origin and look or sound remarkably similar across different languages.
By learning to spot these patterns, you can jumpstart your fluency in English, Danish, or Portuguese.
Let’s look at how these three languages connect!
What are Cognates and Loanwords?
A cognate is a word that looks similar in two languages because they come from the same "ancestor."
A loanword is a word that one language "borrowed" directly from another (often from English).
Understanding these shortcuts makes the daunting task of learning thousands of new words feel much easier.
Pro Tip: Always look for suffixes like "-tion" in English, which often turn into "-ção" in Portuguese or remain similar in Danish!
Comparing the Connections
See how these common concepts look across English, Danish, and Brazilian Portuguese:
| English | Danish | Brazilian Portuguese |
|---|---|---|
| Problem | Problem | Problema |
| Information | Information | Informação |
| Coffee | Kaffe | Café |
| School | Skole | Escola |
| Internet | Internet | Internet |
How to Spot Them
- Listen for the Root: Even if the spelling is different, the "heart" of the word often sounds the same.
(Example: Nature in English vs Natur in Danish vs Natureza in Portuguese). - The "-tion" Connection: Many English words ending in "-tion" end in "-ção" in Portuguese or remain almost identical in Danish.
- Modern Tech: Words for technology, like Smartphone, Laptop, or Wi-Fi, are often the same in all three languages.
Time to Practice! ✍
1. Identify the Word: If a Brazilian says "Chocolate" and a Dane says "Chokolade," what is the word in English?
2. Guess the Meaning: In Danish, the word is "Elefant."
In Portuguese, it is "Elefante."
What is it in English?
&🚀 A Quick Challenge
Can you find **three words** that look similar in the language you are studying and your native language?
Write them down and try to use them in a sentence today!
Example: "O restaurante é excelente."
(Portuguese) / "The restaurant is excellent."
(English) / "Restauranten er fremragende."
(Danish).
Don't ignore the obvious!
Use the words you already know to build your confidence.
Start practicing today!
