What we think of as happiness depends on the language we speak, says psychologist Tim Lomas. That is why he is the «world dictionary of happiness.» Having become acquainted with the concepts that are included in it, you can expand your palette of happiness.
It began with the fact that at one of the conferences Tim Lomas heard a report about the Finnish concept of «sisu». This word means incredible determination and inner determination to overcome all adversity. Even in seemingly hopeless situations.
You can say — «perseverance», «determination». You can also say «courage». Or, say, from the code of honor of the Russian nobility: «do what you must, and come what may.» Only the Finns can fit all this into one word, and quite simple at that.
When we experience positive emotions, it is important for us to be able to name them. And this can help familiarity with other languages. Moreover, it is no longer necessary to learn languages - just look into the Positive Lexicography dictionary. What we think of as happiness depends on the language we speak.
Lomas is compiling his worldwide dictionary of happiness and positivity. Everyone can supplement it with words in their native language
“Although the word sisu is part of Finnish culture, it also describes a universal human property,” says Lomas. “It just so happened that it was the Finns who found a separate word for it.”
Obviously, in the languages of the world there are many expressions for designating positive emotions and experiences that can only be translated with the help of an entire dictionary entry. Is it possible to collect them all in one place?
Lomas is compiling his worldwide dictionary of happiness and positivity. It already contains a lot of idioms from different languages, and everyone can supplement it with words in their native language.
Here are some examples from the Lomas dictionary.
Gokotta — in Swedish «to wake up early to listen to the birds.»
Gumusservi — in Turkish «the flickering of moonlight on the surface of the water.»
Iktsuarpok — in Eskimo «a joyful presentiment when you are waiting for someone.»
Jayus — in Indonesian «a joke that is so not funny (or so mediocrely told) that there is nothing left but to laugh.»
Remember — on the bantu «undress to dance.»
crazy idea — in German «idea inspired by schnapps», that is, insight in a state of intoxication, which at this moment seems to be a brilliant discovery.
Dessert — in Spanish, «the moment when the joint meal is already over, but they are still sitting, talking animatedly, in front of empty plates.»
Peace of heart Gaelic for «joy at a task accomplished.»
Volta — in Greek «to wander along the street in a good mood.»
Wu-wei — in Chinese «a state when it was possible to do what was required without much effort and fatigue.»
Tepils is Norwegian for «drinking beer outside on a hot day.»
Sabung — in Thai «to wake up from something that gives vitality to another.»
About the Expert: Tim Lomas is a positive psychologist and lecturer at the University of East London.