eikäännöstä

Eikäännös is a Finnish term that translates to "untranslated" or "non-translation." It refers to the practice of not translating certain words or phrases from one language into another, instead leaving them in their original form. This can occur for a variety of reasons.

One common reason for eikäännös is the presence of loanwords or established terms that are widely understood within the target language community, even if they originate from another language. For example, many English words like "internet," "computer," or "marketing" are commonly used in Finnish without translation.

Another reason is when a word or phrase carries a specific cultural or historical connotation that is difficult to convey accurately through translation. In such cases, retaining the original term might be preferred to preserve its nuance. This is often seen with proper nouns, specialized jargon, or idiomatic expressions where a direct equivalent might not exist or would lose its original meaning.

Furthermore, eikäännös can be a deliberate stylistic choice. Authors or speakers might choose to retain foreign words to add a certain flavor, to emphasize a particular aspect, or to signal a connection to the source culture. In technical or academic contexts, sometimes the original term is preserved to avoid ambiguity and ensure precise communication among specialists. The decision to use eikäännös is often context-dependent and reflects a balance between the desire for clarity, cultural preservation, and linguistic efficiency.