Description
Learning a new language can be an exciting endeavor, but it also comes with its share of surprises—especially when it comes to false friends. These are words that look or sound similar across languages but have very different meanings, often leading to mix-ups and mistakes by learners.
In my talk, I’ll dive into the world of false friends in language learning, focusing on Finnic, Baltic, and Slavic languages. I’ll explore how these linguistic tricksters can give learners a false sense of mastery, making them think they’ve nailed a word or phrase when they actually haven’t. Through real-life examples, we’ll see how even the most enthusiastic language learners can be caught off guard by these sneaky words.
Join me as we explore how false friends slip into everyday conversations and learn to spot them before they lead to any misunderstandings.
Inese Pintāne is a folklore researcher, linguist, and translator. Her academic path commenced with a Bachelor’s in Finno-Ugric Studies, followed by two Master’s degrees—one in Semiotics and Electronic Culture, and the other in Modern Linguistics. Currently, she is working towards a PhD in Slavic Philology. Her research focuses on how language shapes our cultures and the important role storytelling plays in preserving traditions.
This video was recorded at the Polyglot Gathering 2025: https://www.polyglotgathering.com.