Dolphins

Dolphins

Author: Emmanuela Lia March 27, 2022 Duration: 1:32

(Piano music) 

Hello and welcome to Your Greek Word On A Sunday, a weekly, bite-size podcast for anyone curious on language, etymology and connections. I am your host, Emmanuela Lia and wherever you are in the world, if you want to entertain your brain for a few minutes, this is the podcast for you. Let's Go! 

I've decided to give myself a little cheerful research for a change and tell you a myth. These magnificent creatures were believed to be two things: the link between the human and the divine and initially, humans! There are many myths to support both beliefs so, here's my favourite one. When Dionysus was returning from the island of Naxos, he was captured by pirates and was about to be sold as a slave in the markets of the East. As soon as the god realised that, he turned the oars into snakes, spread vines on the mast, overflowed the hold with wine and a deafening music played. A music that came out of nowhere and drove the pirates mad, especially when they saw their captain morph into a lion and chase them off ship. Dionysus saved only the ones that repented by turning them into those beautiful creatures and in return they would carry him from down below to up above, every year. They were described by Aristotle in 350BC as 'mammals who have an organised society'. The word came to the English from the French and their name means 'Womb'. ΔΕΛΦΙΝΙΑ/DOLPHINS.

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Each week, Emmanuela Lia offers a quiet, thoughtful moment with Your Greek Word On A Sunday. This award-nominated podcast explores the fascinating journey of language, focusing on a single Greek word that has found a home in everyday English. It’s a bite-sized piece of history and connection, released every Sunday. You’ll hear more than just a definition; each episode traces the word’s path from ancient roots to modern usage, revealing how ideas and culture travel and transform across centuries and continents. Emmanuela unpacks the stories embedded within these travelling words, showing how they silently shape our thinking and link us to a distant past. Listening to this podcast feels like uncovering a hidden layer of meaning in the language we use without a second thought. It’s for anyone curious about where words come from, how history echoes in our speech, and the subtle threads that connect different worlds. The gentle, weekly rhythm and focused format make it a perfect companion for a reflective morning or a calm evening, turning a simple etymological exploration into a consistent ritual of discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 335

Your Greek Word On A Sunday
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