The language of Czech diminutives
With the imminent arrival of the new baby, our house is filled again with soft toys, fresh diapers and receiving blankets. Along with all the baby paraphernalia, I’ve also noticed that we’re beginning to air out our Czech “baby talk,” or the broad implementation of diminutives, which alters a word to convey smallness, intimacy, endearment or even triviality. Diminutives are commonly used in Czech, children and babies, in particular, are customary recipients of these “little” versions, as they fit the parameters of both being physically small and emotionally dear, or much-beloved.
No Comments