Alamsõnade

Alamsõnade is a term used in Estonian linguistics to refer to a loanword where the meaning of the original word has been translated or adapted to fit the new language, rather than the word itself being directly borrowed. This process often involves creating a new word or phrase from existing roots within the target language to mirror the meaning of the foreign term. It is a form of calque, also known as a loan translation.

For instance, if a foreign language had a compound word for "sunflower," an alamsõna in Estonian might be constructed from Estonian words meaning "sun" and "flower," thus creating a literal translation of the concept. This is distinct from a direct loanword, such as "internet," which is adopted into Estonian with minimal change. Alamsõnade aim to integrate foreign concepts into the existing linguistic structure of Estonian, preserving the native vocabulary as much as possible. This practice contributes to the richness and expressiveness of the Estonian language by allowing it to adopt new ideas and technologies while maintaining a strong connection to its indigenous word-building principles. The creation of alamsõnade is a deliberate linguistic strategy employed by speakers and linguists to enrich the vocabulary and ensure clarity.