lexicologita

n. a little bit of lexicology (Spanglish)

If you have the chance, read Steven Pinker’s work on the fascinating influence that language has to structure our world, and vise versa.  It’s fun learning Spanish as I pick up nuances of words and language.  Anyways, here’s a reason why I am enchanted with and enamored by Spanish:

I love small things.  Cute spoons, little cups, bite size pastries, mini magnets, you name it.  In Spanish, every noun can be easily turned into a smaller version by adding “-ito” or “-ita” to the end of the word.

“Viejos” = old people, an insult I was told not to use à “Viejitos” = the endearing old couple in our study

“Doctora” = what I am not à  “Doctorita” = the playful way some of the patients address me

“poco” = a little bit à “poquito” = a littler bit à “poquitito” = the littlest bit possible (I use this word a lot when trying to mooch haha)