Such is life

C'est la vie 

by Shradha Kaul


The English language is a treat.  It has so many variations, it is very deep-rooted, it has taken over the world and best of all it has accommodated many foreign languages in some form or the other.  It has used the best from many languages and at the same time retained its distinctiveness. This is one of the main reasons for its acceptance the world over. So, a foreign phrase or word interspersed in the language doesn’t come as a surprise, it only adds to its holistic nature. This trait had led to the accumulation of a vast vocabulary too. According to sources, “the English language is closing in on the one million word mark.”

Many of us almost get taken aback by the very Indian or Hindi sounding word which we come across in English. Some very popular examples are pyjamas, curry, pundit, mantra, avatar…of course the list is endless. Likewise, you will find many foreign phrases which are found not only in the written word but are used in many conversations as well.

Foreign phrases have a number of uses.  Molière, the renowned French writer wove an entire play around “maladeimaginaire” (a hypochondriac).  There are some people who throw foreign phrases ad arbitrium (at will) to publicize their sophistication or intellect. Phrases can be used in writing to epitomise characters, e.g. folie de grandeur (delusion of greatness)serves a newbie well. The greatest way to get used to these phrases is associate them with situations so that the meaning is clear. Remember, if you want to use them you must know them well first.

You may come across foreign phrases or words almost anywhere. Interestingly, many fast food and coffee parlours service very delectable sounding wares and if you don’t know the meaning you may well order something which you really didn’t want to or even like. Many restaurants want to know if you will be ordering à la carte or having the buffet. Well, before we wish ourselves bon appétit, be ready to know the difference between an aperitif and an entrée. Coffee parlours now offer numerous variations of the beverage. Instead of making a dreadful faux pas, it is de rigueur tobrush up your multi- lingual abilities before attempting to order the café au laitor the good old coffee with milk.

Once you’ve realised that such a situation is a fait accompli, your interest will start veering towards knowing and using these phrase more often. The sine qua non or the indispensable element is to pay attention to the way they are used in various forms. This will be helpful to set you apart from the hoi polloi as well as it is certainly beneficial to be au fait or well instructed.
The legal world depends heavily on Latin as well as French phrases; some have found their way into common usage as well. Terms like prima- facie, sub- judice, force majeure,ad valorem, bona fide,de facto, de jureetc. are used quite extensively.

The world of fashion or apparel also depends extensively on the usage of foreign phrases since fashion like the English language draws inspiration from many countries and traditions.  To be a femme fatale, you need the right mix of haute couture and be a la mode!

Psychology, economics and many other subjects also take recourse to the usage of foreign phrases. A doppelgänger is a paranormal double of a living person, typically representing evil or misfortune. Angst means fear or anxiety; it defines an intense feeling of nervousness, or internal tumult. Bête noire means that you're predominantly hated by this person or this person has a strong dislike for you, Phrases like the bourgeois and the bourgeoisie described the emerging middle class.  Laissez-faire is a very famous economic policy or political philosophy of a kind of "let do"; advocating leaving alone, or non-interference.
Socially, the usage is endless. To be acause célèbre, you needsavoir-faire, and also besang-froidto survive. The raison d'êtreshould see you through many situations and may give you the necessaryjoie de vivre and may you be the crème de la crèmeof society giving you that sense of accomplishing a social  tour de force.
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