MotherTongues® untranslatable words range - Back to designs gallery
Send words, celebrate cultures!
Our MotherTongues® range of cards was designed in collaboration with MotherTongues®. MotherTongues® prints life-affirming words on fabulous people-friendly and earth-friendly products.
Our range of cards represent strong, life-informing words. A lot of these words are concept that do not exist in other languages and are therefore very difficult to translate and define. We have tried to explain what they mean briefly on this page, but please do read more about them as they are truly inspirational.
These designs are available on heavyweight (280gsm) manilla (brown) kraft card and with a postcard-style back.
Our MotherTongues® range of cards was designed in collaboration with MotherTongues®. MotherTongues® prints life-affirming words on fabulous people-friendly and earth-friendly products.
Our range of cards represent strong, life-informing words. A lot of these words are concept that do not exist in other languages and are therefore very difficult to translate and define. We have tried to explain what they mean briefly on this page, but please do read more about them as they are truly inspirational.
These designs are available on heavyweight (280gsm) manilla (brown) kraft card and with a postcard-style back.
MotherTongues® collection
Set of 12 cards (2 cards of each design as listed below)
ubuntu
12 ubuntu postcards.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu describes the African philosophy ubuntu as follows: "Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality – Ubuntu – you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity." Read more here. himdag
12 himdag postcards.
himdag is a word of the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona and northwest Mexico. Though there is no equivalent in English, we can come close by saying himdag is about a respectful relationship with mother earth and all beings. It describes all aspects of their culture: storytelling, music, games, crafts, ceremonies, hunting and harvesting; and the spiritual, physical, emotional and physical health of the people and the land. You can find out more about them here. sisu
12 sisu postcards.
The word is widely considered to lack a proper translation into any language. It is an integral part of the Finnish culture. Its best literal translation in English could be having guts. But it is not about momentary courage. It implies strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. Ex-formula 1 driver Mika Häkkinen talks about what sisu is here (it starts at 4:32). gezellig
12 gezellig postcards
The word is considered to be one of the hardest word to translate in English. It can mean cosy, convivial, fun. It also connotes belonging, time spent with loved ones, the fact of seeing a friend after a long absence, or general togetherness.It encompasses the heart of Dutch culture. Dutch people evaluate everything on this gezellig scale. A person, a room, an evening can be gezellig. Read about it here or here for example. minga
12 minga postcards
No, not the British slang word for someone who is unfortunate looking! Minka in Quechua (hispanicised as minga) is a type of traditional communal work in the Andes in favour of the whole community. A minga is called to build schools, health or community centres, to repair roads and water systems, or to replenish forests. It is a tradition that has been followed since the time of the Incas. If your Spanish is up to it, read this. mudita
12 mudita postcards
In Pāli and Sanskrit, mudita is the pleasure that comes from delighting in other people's well-being rather than begrudging it. A parent, for example can feel mudita in their child's achievements. It is different from pride in that one must not have any interest in the other person's accomplishments. The Dalai Lama said about mudita: "If I am only happy for myself, many fewer chances for happiness. If I am happy when good things happen to other people, billions more chances to be happy!" Read this for more information. |