
Contents
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6.1 The need for a multilingual and multicultural perspective on pain 6.1 The need for a multilingual and multicultural perspective on pain
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6.2 Problems with the official definition of ‘pain’ 6.2 Problems with the official definition of ‘pain’
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6.3 How can one ask questions about ‘pain’ helpfully and effectively? 6.3 How can one ask questions about ‘pain’ helpfully and effectively?
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6.4 Pain and related concepts (hurt, ache, sore) in English 6.4 Pain and related concepts (hurt, ache, sore) in English
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6.5 No ‘pain’ concept in Australian Aboriginal languages? 6.5 No ‘pain’ concept in Australian Aboriginal languages?
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6.6 English pain vs. French douleur 6.6 English pain vs. French douleur
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6.7 Comparing douleur with mal (avoir mal and faire mal) 6.7 Comparing douleur with mal (avoir mal and faire mal)
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6.8 Souffrir and suffer 6.8 Souffrir and suffer
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6.9 English pain vs. Polish ból and Russian bol’ 6.9 English pain vs. Polish ból and Russian bol’
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6.10 Concluding remarks 6.10 Concluding remarks
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6 Pain: is it a human universal? The perspective from cross-linguistic semantics
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Published:November 2013
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Abstract
While it may be true, in a sense, that all people can experience ‘pain’, this does not mean that they all interpret and conceptualise their experiences in the same way. This chapter explores “pain talk” in several languages (English, the Australian languages Pitjantjatjara and Warlpiri, French, Polish, and Russian), showing how subtle-but-real differences in meaning can be pinned down by using explanatory paraphrases phrased in simple universal words. A major theme of the chapter is that a better insight into semantics of pain concepts can lead to improved communication between medical professionals and their patients and clients, not only across linguistic and cultural barriers, but even within English itself.
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