The influences of the English language on other world languages are many and varied. It seems to seep its way into other languages, including Dutch, in a lot of surprising and unexpected ways -- though really it makes sense, given the geo-political climate of the last couple of centuries.

But did you know that the Dutch language has also left its distinct marks on the English language through the years?

It never really occurred to me, of course, until I picked up Dutch as my second language; however, I believe there are several distinct vestigial traces of Dutch in contemporary English phraseology. Take, for instance, the word "Boss." Did you know that no other language had developed a word for a person in a position of authority, which could also be used as a form of address, until the Dutch came up with the word "Baas?" It seems so natural now; but if it weren't for the Dutch, we'd probably all be referring to our bosses as "Sir", or "Madam," or "my supervisor" instead of using the handy, efficient, somewhat informal word "boss" -- which can be used both as a descriptive noun (i.e. "This is my boss, Joe") and as a direct form of address (i.e. "Hiya, Boss, do you think you could sign these forms for me?"). We have the Dutch to thank for this linguistic legacy.

Another phrase that I've often wondered about (though I don't have any real etymological research to back me up on this one) is the phrase: "That may well be," or "That may very well be true." Think about that from the vantage point of the English language, would you? What does that word "well" actually mean? It's not being used in the classic sense meaning "in a good and satisfactory manner" (i.e. "business is going well"). Is it? I don't think so. Actually, in this sentence construction, it seems that the word "well" is being used more as an affirmative intensifier. Just like the Dutch use the word "wel." The phrase "That may well be" is something of an anomaly in the English language -- but in Dutch, "Dat zou wel waar kunnen zijn" is totally in keeping with the way that the word "wel" is used in other contexts: to affirm and accentuate something that is true. A bit like the English word "really," but then again not so much. It's a unique construction of the Dutch language. And I believe that it's somehow managed to survive in the English language through the years.

I think I could also make a case for words like "young'un" or "Yankees" -- and of course many other proper names (particularly from New York) like "Brooklyn," "Staten Island," and "Harlem." All of these words, I believe (and probably many others), have their roots in the Dutch language. It's pretty remarkable for a language with only about 20 million speakers worldwide, whose hey-day was 400 years ago.

In view of the evidence, I think we English-speakers may well need to pay some respect the bosses of employment terminology etymology: the Dutch.

Sometimes Dutch medical terminology can be comically literal.

The Dutch terms for "concussion" and "testicles" are particularly amusing to me. Literally: "brain-shake" (hersenschudding) and "seed-balls" (zaadballen). Is that funny to anyone else? I'm curious to know if there are any other good ones that I might be forgetting...

According to Google, I am considered one of the world's foremost experts on precipitation terminology. Nevermind the fact that I don't have a background in meteorology or linguistics. I posted something here on my website a couple of years back, entitled "Eleven Words for Rain," and that apparently qualifies me as an expert. Seriously, for whatever reason, this has become one of the more well-worn paths from Google to my website -- precipitation terminology seekers... and appeltaart afficionados!

Anyway, despite my apparent expertise in the field, I really don't know what to make of the precipitation that's been falling from Amsterdam's skies over the last two days.

One might be inclined to call it hail... but then again, it's too small, not round enough, and too regular to really classify as hail in my mind.

One might be inclined to call it snow... but then again, it's too hard and too heavy for snow. I certainly don't feel like we're having our first snowfall of the year these days.

Another option would be to call it sleet or freezing rain... but it actually seems like an inverted version of sleet to me. The stuff that we're getting these days is solid in the air and immediately upon impact, but then it quickly melts into nothingness -- unlike sleet which comes down more liquid and then turns to ice once it's on the ground.

So what's the best word for the stuff we've been getting lately? Is there a Dutch word for it that I might not know about? Is there an English word, outside of the generic Weather-Channelish "wintry mix?" Whatever it is, I have to confess that it's not my favorite type of precipitation. But in any event, it makes it feel like we're legitimately in the holiday season. And as long as I can stay inside and sip hot buttered rum in the evenings, I think everything will turn out just fine.

I'm kind of a nerd for palindromes (words and numbers which read the same both backwords and forwards)... So I figured I simply had to recognize this moment and post something at 11:11:11 on 11/11/11. Not that I really have all that much to say... I just wanted to recognize the moment. :-)

Just one more fun fact, as a parting shot: Did you know that we are a rare generation with the privilege of living through two palindromic years during the course of our lifetime: 1991 and 2002? Ours is the first generation with this privilege since those who lived through 999 and 1001... Can you guess when the next generational occurence will come along?

I love the color and clarity of biblical language. It's no wonder to me that the Bible has been an inspiration for so many great works of literature. And besides what's already been woven into the literary community, there are a lot of powerful biblical stories and phrases that are still more or less "unknown" and untapped. I discovered another one this morning, while reading the 24th chapter of Joshua:

Send the hornet. In recapping the conquest of Canaan, Joshua (the great leader and military commander) speaks as an oracle of the LORD, reminding the assembled masses of Israel of the fact that their military victories had been supernaturally set up ahead of time: "I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you -- also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow" (Joshua 24:12). It's an interesting turn of phrase, isn't it? Something about it sticks with me, that idea of clearing out a room by releasing a hornet through a crack in the door before making one's entrance. It's a very efficient word picture. I genuinely wonder why it hasn't made it into more popular, colloquial usage. That idea of "sending the hornet" could be used in any situation in which the way has been prepared for another's success. It could speak of any situation involving God's Providence and preparation.

I find myself enriched by these little nuggets of language in the pages of the Bible -- as a writer, as a believer, and as a pastor. Just another reason to appreciate the greatest work of literature of all time...