Mysteries of vernacular: Ukulele - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel
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TEDEd Animation
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When 19th century Portuguese travelers landed in Hawaii with a small four-stringed guitar, a member of the king’s court, nicknamed Jumping Flea, or ukulele in Hawaiian, took to the instrument. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel explain how an affinity for the ukulele gave the instrument its name.
What is the difference between a loanword (like ukulele) and a loan translation? What are some examples of each?
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Meet The Creators
- Educator Jessica Oreck
- Producer Rachael Teel
