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Can words be borrowed from dead languages?

Yes, words can be borrowed from dead languages. This happens quite often, and there are several reasons why:

1. Academic and Technical Fields:

* Scientific Terminology: Many scientific terms come from Ancient Greek and Latin. These languages had extensive vocabularies for describing the natural world, and their use in scientific terminology helps provide clarity and universality.

* Legal and Medical Terms: Similarly, legal and medical fields use terms from Latin and Ancient Greek due to their historical significance and established usage.

2. Literary and Artistic Influences:

* Literature and Poetry: Authors often borrow words from dead languages to create a certain atmosphere or to evoke a specific historical period.

* Art and Music: Some art and music movements, like Neoclassical, draw upon the aesthetics of ancient languages, sometimes incorporating borrowed words into their works.

3. Historical and Cultural Significance:

* Ancient Civilizations: Words from languages like Ancient Egyptian, Sanskrit, or Mayan may be borrowed to reflect the historical and cultural importance of those civilizations.

* Religion and Mythology: Many religious and mythological terms come from ancient languages. For example, the word "angel" comes from the Greek word "angelos."

Examples of Borrowed Words:

* Latin: "agenda," "curriculum," "vacuum," "deficit"

* Ancient Greek: "democracy," "philosophy," "atom," "hypothesis"

* Sanskrit: "yoga," "karma," "mantra"

Note:

* It's important to be aware of the context and nuances when borrowing words from dead languages. The meaning of a word may have changed over time, and the use of a borrowed word might be perceived as archaic or pretentious depending on the situation.

* Borrowing words from dead languages can be a valuable way to enrich a language and provide access to a wider range of concepts and ideas. However, it's crucial to use them with care and consideration.

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