Anglicisms and loanwords: The contribution of English exemplified by contemporary Italian tourist terminology

Abstract

The English language has enriched Italian with numerous words and expressions that complement existing Italian lexis. Many linguists perceive the extent of English influence as a potentially overwhelming and dangerous tendency. However, the percentage of English lexis in Italian remains relatively low if compared to the language’s overall structure and is noticeable mostly in the sphere of politics, pop culture, mass media, journalism, sport and tourism. Borrowing is regarded as one of the major means of enriching language vocabulary that often engulfs foreign elements in its structural patterns. The adaptation process incorporates the borrowed structure as a natural part of the borrowing language. This study attempts to examine and exemplify in chronological order the progressive development of such an influence demonstrating modifications and nomenclature of English loanwords in the qualitative and quantitative aspects. The key findings are exemplified by contemporary tourist terminology.

Keywords

• anglicism
• borrowing
• loanword
• italianisation
• substitution
• calque
• false friends