A large number of well-known writers have often created or coined words that are used in everyday English. When you think of authors, prominent figures like Shakespeare may come to mind. He enriched the English language with words like "amazement," "bedazzled," and "fashionable." Charles Dickens introduced "boredom," showcasing his talent for capturing profound human emotions and societal issues in a single word. Lewis Carroll added whimsical words to our lexicon, including "chortle," a delightful mix of 'chuckle' and 'snort.'
But Tolkien is another one of those authors who has added to the English language's colorful dictionary. Tolkien did not just create worlds; he also enriched our language, adding a lexicon that elicits the smell of mead in crowded halls and the sight of smoky mountains veiled in mystery. Language enthusiasts and fantasy fans alike join us on this philological adventure as we uncover the words that J.R.R. Tolkien, the mastermind behind Middle-earth, either coined or brought into the limelight.
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The word 'Hobbit' has become so synonymous with Tolkien's loveable, halfling creatures that it's easy to forget that prior to the publication of his book '' in 1937, this word was non-existent. While there has been some discussion over whether Tolkien may have unconsciously borrowed from other sources, he is widely credited with coining the term. These small, unassuming beings have secured their place in our world, much like they have in their home of the Shire.
Orcs, the vile creatures that often symbolize the corrupt and evil forces in Tolkien's works, have become a staple word in the lexicon of fantasy literature.
Although the term 'Orc' existed in English before, Tolkien's use and interpretation popularized it to signify a brutish monster. Its actual origin can be traced back to Old English and Latin, where it had a variety of meanings, including 'demon' and 'hell'.
The term 'Ent,' used to describe the ancient tree-herders in 'The Lord of the Rings', is another linguistic gift from Tolkien. Drawing inspiration from the Old English wordeoten, meaning 'giant', Tolkien reimagined these beings as the sentient guardians of the forest, embodying the spirit and wisdom of trees. With their slow, deliberate manner and deep connection to the natural, Ents have come to represent environmental stewardship and the age-old battle against deforestation and environmental damage in popular culture.
The fabled metal 'mithril', said to be stronger than steel yet lighter than a feather, is a testament to Tolkien's attention to detail in his world-building.
He could have easily opted for a metal that actually exists, but instead, he manufactured an entirely new material, replete with its unique properties and lore. Mithril has since transcended the borders of Middle-earth, being adopted by various fantasy franchises as a precious and magical metal.
Those unexpected turns toward a positive resolution of stories in literature have a name thanks to Tolkien, the term 'eucatastrophe'. In his essay '', Tolkien discusses eucatastrophe as the sudden joyous turn in a story that pierces you with a joy that brings tears. This concept has been embraced by literary critics and readers alike to describe that moment of salvation when all hope seems lost.
The 'palantír' (pronounced pæˈlænˌtɪər) or the seeing stones in Tolkien's novels allowed characters to communicate across vast distances, a fantastical predecessor to the technologies of today.
This invented term comes from an adapted form of Elvish, a language Tolkien crafted with its own set of linguistic rules. The concept of a 'palantír' has often been metaphorically used to describe any medium that allows one to perceive events at a distance.
Tolkien was also responsible for the pluralization of the existing word "dwarf" into "dwarves.". Prior to Tolkien's influence," dwarf" was the standard plural form used in English. With his groundbreaking work in 'The Hobbit'and 'The Lord of the Rings', Tolkien opted for "dwarves" to better fit the old English and mythological aesthetic he was aiming for. Tolkien's deliberate deviation from the norm has since been widely adopted, influencing not only subsequent fantasy literature but also the way we engage with these mythical beings in popular culture.
In his quest to build a comprehensive mythology, J.R.R. Tolkien invented, coined, or revived many English words specifically for his Middle-earth saga. His skill as a philologist not only allowed him to create new words but also to revive old ones that had fallen out of use, blending them seamlessly into the narratives of his epic tales.
Tolkien extended beyond merely coining new words; he ventured into the realm of constructing entire languages, an effort that set Middle-earth apart as an exemplar of literary and linguistic depth. Among the most notable of these languages are Quenya and Sindarin, both of which are elvish tongues, each with its own detailed grammar, syntax, and rich vocabulary.
Quenya, inspired by Finnish and Latin, is often considered the high-elven language, used in lore and formal occasions, whereas Sindarin, influenced by Welsh, serves as the common language among the elves of Middle-earth.
Additionally, Tolkien developed other languages, including the guttural Black Speech of Mordor, the dwarvish Khuzdul, and the various Mannish tongues, thereby enriching the authenticity and immersive experience of his fantasy universe. Tolkien'sinspiration for writing his unique lexicon was as vast and varied as the universes he created. A linguist at heart and by profession, he drew heavily from ancient and medieval sources, including Old English, Old Norse, and other Germanic languages, as well as from Latin, Greek, and Welsh.
Tolkien's impact reminds us that language is a living, breathing entity. It is shaped by the realms we construct in our thoughts and shared tales. In this light, Tolkien's inventiveness with language inspires us to look at words as not just mere tools for communication but as magic incantations capable of transforming the mundane into the extraordinary.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of Middle-earth or a language enthusiast intrigued by the origins of words, his contributions remain legendary; some even now sit in the English dictionary. He shows us that with a bit of creativity and a love for language, we too can leave our mark on the lexicon for generations to come. Now, in the spirit of Tolkien, may your words always be as rich as a dragon's hoard and as heartfelt as a hobbit's supper.
If you're feeling inspired to read, make sure to check out our readers; we have a wide range of English readers to suit everyone. Or if you're looking for some novel inspiration, make sure to check out our blog post: Novels to help improve your English.
Or, if you want to expand your English vocabulary even more to match that of even the greatest writers, make sure to download the language learning app .
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Are you studying abroad (or soon to be), learning a new language and need some inspiration on ways to practice your language skills in the real world? Don't worry. It can be daunting to know how to begin, especially in an unfamiliar place, However, with a little bit of effort and following these useful tips, you will be able to improve your language skills and make the most of your study abroad experience.
To compete in the modern business space, many organizations are shifting to a more global way of working.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation and globalization across industries but, as many businesses look now to sustaining future growth, the question is: what powers a successful, global organization?
According to app’s 2022 Power Skills Survey, one of the biggest factors in effective workplace globalization is the use of English as a common language. The report states “Adopting a common language and ensuring that the entire workforce can access it has become more important than ever before.”
It points to statistics from rising economies in Southeast Asia, showcasing the strength of English use and their respective booming industries:
app’s 2022 Power Skills Survey is a drop in the ocean of reports hailing effective communication as one of the top factors to both personal and business success. Good communicators have been linked to higher performance in school, at work and in their personal lives. It is no surprise then that good communicators are highly sought after by talent recruiters.
With many businesses moving to hiring outside of traditional location boundaries, more languages are inevitable in the workplace. So, can good communication transcend language barriers?
As the statistics gathered by the Power Skills Survey show, there is evidence that sharing one common language, and therefore enabling more effective communication, can improve business opportunities, workforce growth and ultimately the economy. In the survey report, Norlida Azmi, Group Chief People Officer at Axiata, said:
“Communication is a critical skill that sets the foundation for not only leadership competencies, such as people management and coalition building, but also for wider and effective stakeholder management in the ecosystem – communicating with our shareholders, customers and the communities that we operate in.”
While communication for globalization can look different for different markets, the English language is recognized as the prevailing choice for multinational companies. The Harvard Business Review says:
“The need to tightly coordinate tasks and work with customers and partners worldwide has accelerated the move toward English as the official language of business.”
So, with businesses now fighting to grow in a global marketplace, unlocking the power of the English language is crucial to success.
The survey shows that many organizations have work to do in this area, even if they view strong English proficiency as extremely important to their roles. It details the current state of assessing candidates’ English language proficiency and the percentage of organizations that have strategies in place to upskill their employees English proficiency. Both leave room for improvement.
According to the survey, the number one way talent acquisition managers test English language skills is at the interview (58%), although 37% aren't measuring English language skills at all. This can be problematic later down the line, as not all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) will be accurately represented in an interview.
Meanwhile, 27% of businesses use computer-based tests and 14% use paper-based tests to assess English language proficiency. By getting standardized test results, talent managers can more accurately assess if candidates’ English proficiency is suitable for the role, making for more confident and successful hires.
Talent managers can also pass on these insights to learning and development managers to help them implement effective English language upskilling programs. While this investment can empower employees to perform better in their new role, it may also improve employee retention and even lead to succession and impact business growth.
Whether organizations choose to hire new talent with higher levels of English proficiency or invest in learning and development programs to build their employees’ language skills, there are tools available to help.
app Language Solutions for Work enables talent and learning and development managers to fast-track and simplify their recruitment and training processes, giving you total confidence that your candidates and employees have the English language skills to drive your business forward. Find the best language assessment and learning solutions for your organization here.
If you liked this blog post and want to learn more, download our PDF report here.
Find out more about how language training and assessment can drive your business forward by checking out our resources for HR professionals, including articles, whitepapers and research.
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As a language teacher, your goal is not just to impart knowledge but to guide your students on a transformative journey toward fluency. Assessing and tracking learning progress is a dynamic process that empowers both educators and learners, rather than being just a routine task.
In today's language learning blog post, we will explore the significance of assessment in language teaching and provide valuable insights on how to track and assess your students' linguistic development.
Regular assessments enable teachers to tailor instruction to meet individual student needs. Identifying strengths and weaknesses helps educators adapt teaching methods, promoting a more personalized and effective learning experience.
Assessment results can be very useful in motivating students. Even small progress should be acknowledged as it can boost their confidence and encourage a positive attitude towards learning. It is important to share success stories, celebrate achievements and foster a culture of continuous improvement within your language classroom.
Assessment feedback can help students improve their skills by giving them a clear idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can use this feedback to encourage students to take responsibility for their learning journey and foster a growth mindset that is resilient even in the face of linguistic difficulties.
Embrace a variety of assessment methods to capture the multifaceted nature of language learning. Beyond traditional exams, integrate speaking assessments, project-based evaluations and collaborative activities. This diversity ensures a comprehensive understanding of your students' language proficiency.
Example: Consider assigning projects that involve researching, creating presentations and demonstrating creative expression (like plays or videos) in the target language. Assessing various aspects such as language skills, creativity and critical thinking. Design projects around your class's interests and motivations.
Integrate formative assessments into your teaching strategy. These ongoing evaluations, such as quizzes, class discussions and short writing assignments, provide real-time feedback. For instance, if you notice that your students are struggling with a particular concept, you can use formative assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of your teaching approach and make necessary adjustments.
Example: Conduct regular quizzes, polls or short assessments during class to evaluate students' understanding. Use quick checks to gauge student understanding to adjust teaching methods accordingly. This will help you tailor your teaching methods in real time to ensure effective lesson delivery.
Encourage students to maintain language portfolios. These portfolios can include samples of their written work, recorded conversations and reflections on their language learning journey. Portfolio assessments offer a holistic view of progress and provide students with a tangible record of their achievements.
Example: Conduct periodic portfolio reviews to discuss progress and set goals. Encourage frequent reflection to show learners how far they've come.
Empower students to self-assess. Encourage reflection on their language skills, setting goals and evaluating their own progress. Self-assessment also fosters a sense of responsibility and independence in the learning process. When students take ownership of their progress, they become more invested in their education and are more likely to achieve their goals.
Example: Provide your language students self-assessment checklists or rubrics for them to evaluate their proficiency and set personal goals.
Use language learning platforms' analytics and progress reports for data-driven decision-making. It's great to help save time and provide reliable and up-to-date reports.
Example: Using online platforms for assignments, quizzes and collaborative projects with built-in tracking features. Our learning platforms, app English Connect (PEC)and MyEnglishLab (MEL), can help you keep track of your students' progress.
Cultural projects are a great way to engage students in the broader context of the language they are learning. These projects could involve researching cultural practices, traditions or historical events related to the language.
Students learn how to navigate cultural nuances, understand diverse perspectives and effectively communicate in different cultural contexts by participating in cultural projects. Such projects help students form a personal connection with the language and bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, making language learning more meaningful.
Example: Assign projects that explore certain cultural aspects of the target language, encouraging a deeper understanding of context. These can be evaluated on how well it's presented, its clarity, and how factually accurate it is.
Peer review is a valuable practice that promotes a sense of community within the language learning classroom. It involves students working together and offering constructive feedback to each other, which leads to the development of their language skills. It creates a collaborative learning environment where students actively participate in the improvement of their peers, learning from one another's strengths and weaknesses.
Students often put more effort into assignments when they know peers will review their work. This increased accountability can lead to higher-quality work and a greater commitment to language learning.
Example: Implement peer review sessions where students provide feedback on each other's written or spoken assignments. Encourage constructive criticism to enhance collaboration and learning. To accommodate shy students, this process can be anonymous.
Assessing and tracking language learning progress is integral to effective language teaching, requiring continuous interaction between educators and students.
By utilizing diverse assessment methods and fostering a culture of constant improvement, language teachers play a vital role in guiding their students toward linguistic fluency. Helping language students celebrate their successes and overcome challenges helps them to be not only proficient speakers but also lifelong language enthusiasts.
As well as our learning platforms, PECand MEL, we offer various English assessments and courses to help track your learner's progress and to certify their English level, so make sure to explore our range to find the best solution for your students.
