Mar 11 • 11:17 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

Tarmo Soomere: climate change fits the singular-loving language

Tarmo Soomere discusses the nuances of the Estonian language in relation to climate change and how various numeric interpretations illustrate the language's depth.

Tarmo Soomere, an academic and professor at the Tallinn University of Technology, reflects on the unique aspects of the Estonian language, especially in the context of discussing climate change. He notes that the Estonian language, which values singular forms, offers great versatility when discussing complex subjects such as climate and weather. This highlights a significant cultural aspect where language shapes our understanding and expression of environmental issues.

He elaborates on how numbers and terms related to description often lead to confusion, emphasizing the distinction between 'number' and 'numeral'. Soomere points out that although there are infinite numbers, there are only ten Arabic numerals, and he compares the abundance of classifications for house numbers depending on the measurement standards. This nuanced explanation serves to underline the complexities and variations found within everyday language, reflecting broader societal interactions.

Soomeere delivers a reminder that while climate may seem straightforward—there is one climate for every location—what we perceive in our daily lives is merely weather, which can fluctuate significantly even in a small country like Estonia. Therefore, understanding these linguistic subtleties is crucial in framing the discourse surrounding climate change and its impacts, thereby fostering a more informed public dialogue.

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