Word by Word

Explore the magical world of language

Everybody Hurts

Is your pain my pain?

Read more about the varied ways in which our cultures shape our perceptions of pain.

Untranslatables

Nine Chinese words that can't be translated into English

Not all translations are equal: A glimpse into Chinese culture and worldview

The Conversation

The Singapore Stone’s carvings have been undeciphered for centuries – now we’re trying to crack the puzzle

If you pay a visit to the Singapore Stone, displayed at the National Museum of Singapore, you might be disappointed. That’s because the inscription – carrying an unknown writing system transcribing an unknown language – is fading. But if you love puzzles, this won’t put you off.

The Conversation

Five common English words we don’t know the origins of – including ‘boy’ and ‘dog’

Mysterious etymology of some words represent an exciting puzzle of the English language. Here are five examples.

Urban forests reduce heat-related mortality, study shows

City microbes surviving on disinfectants, research reveals

Depression can cause period pain, new study suggests