There isn't a word for blue?!

Language isn’t just about words—it’s about the way we see and experience the world. Every phrase you learn and every cultural insight you gain opens up a new perspective.

This week, we’re exploring how to learn smarter (not harder), discovering a beautiful German word for wanderlust, and diving into some fascinating quirks of linguistics you might not have considered before.

Instead of memorising isolated words, learn in chunks. These short, useful phrases like “How much does it cost?” or “I’d like a coffee, please” can help you understand what is being said in your target language.

Additionally, your brain processes these faster and helps you speak more naturally.

Word: Fernweh (German)

Meaning: A deep, almost painful longing for faraway places you’ve never visited.
It perfectly captures that feeling of wanderlust mixed with curiosity and yearning. Many languages have similar “untranslatable” gems that reflect unique cultural perspectives.

Try this: Think of your own fernweh destination and learn 3–5 phrases in that country’s language—it’s a great way to tie emotional connection to your learning.

Did you know that ancient languages often used the same word for blue and green?

Linguists call this grue (green + blue). This isn’t because people couldn’t see colours—it’s because distinguishing between them wasn’t culturally important at the time.

Language evolves to match the needs of its speakers. For example, languages spoken in snowy regions often have multiple words for different types of snow, while desert languages might have dozens of words for sand.

It’s a fascinating reminder that words reflect how we experience the world, not just how we describe it.

App Recommendation: Forvo

Forvo is a free pronunciation database that allows you to hear words spoken by native speakers from around the world. Simply type in the word you want to learn, choose a voice, and listen as many times as you need. It’s perfect for mastering tricky sounds or refining your accent in any language.

Bonus tip: Record yourself saying the word after listening, then play both back to hear the difference. This is one of the fastest ways to improve pronunciation.

The longest word in any language isn’t in English.

In Sanskrit, there’s a word with 195 characters used in a literary work—it’s technically a single word! Meanwhile, English’s longest word (pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis) is only 45 letters.

But why is this? Many languages, like Sanskrit, German, and Finnish, build compound words, where smaller words join together to form one giant word.

In Italy, ordering coffee isn’t just about the drink; it’s a cultural ritual. A simple “Un caffè, per favore” in a local café often gets you a strong espresso, while in the US, the same request might get you a drip coffee.

Language is culture, and culture is language. Use phrases like these to connect with other people whilst knowing the real meaning.

Over 7,000 Languages, but…
Half the world’s population speaks just 23 languages, while thousands of smaller languages face extinction. Every word you learn in any language is a step toward keeping culture alive, especially for endangered ones.

What’s your favourite example of how language reflects culture? Share your thoughts with our community on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.