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El lenguaje se apropia conceptualmente de la realidad

English translation: Language conceptually appropriates reality

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11:54 Sep 21, 2011

Spanish to English translations [PRO]
Science - Linguistics

Spanish term or phrase: El lenguaje se apropia conceptualmente de la realidad

The full sentence is: El lenguaje se apropia conceptualmente de la realidad representándola mediante símbolos producidos y compartidos socialmente.
It's in a list of definitions

David Brown KudoZ activity Questions: 275 (none open) (10 closed without grading) Answers: 2678
Local time: 07:31

English translation:Language conceptually appropriates reality

Explanation:
I think the literal translation works perfectly here. The idea is that language creates its own concept of reality.

Selected response from:

Simon Bruni
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:31

Grading comment

Thanks, Simon, and to everyone else who contributed
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

Summary of answers provided

4 +4

Language conceptually appropriates reality

Simon Bruni

4 +1

Language conceptually takes hold of reality

Cynthia Neme

4 +1

Language conceptually reflects / is a conceptual reflection of reality

Claire Culliford

Speakers naturally adapt their language to suit given situations.

Jenni Lukac

The language conforms conceptually to reality

xxxFVS

Discussion entries: 4

Answers

5 mins confidence:

The language conforms conceptually to reality

Explanation:
.

xxxFVS
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 16

21 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +4

Language conceptually appropriates reality

Explanation:
I think the literal translation works perfectly here. The idea is that language creates its own concept of reality.

Simon Bruni
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:31
Works in field
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 24

Grading comment

Thanks, Simon, and to everyone else who contributed

3 hrs confidence:

peer agreement (net): +1

Language conceptually reflects / is a conceptual reflection of reality

Explanation:
Another suggestion. I thought 'reflect' fitted well given the subsequent 'representándola'. Another idea to play with at least.

Claire Culliford
Local time: 06:31
Native speaker of:

English

3 hrs confidence:

peer agreement (net): +1

Language conceptually takes hold of reality

Explanation:
Yet another way to put it.

Cynthia Neme
Local time: 02:31
Native speaker of:

Spanish

4 hrs confidence:

Speakers naturally adapt their language to suit given situations.

Explanation:
It would be more natural to say "their way of speaking," but "language" is not incorrect. This seems to be what you are asking for, however opaque the Spanish original makes it. I recently listened in on a discussion between some serious linguists about Colin Powell's language, accent, and intonation (how they changed and developed throughout his life - from neighborhood to neighborhood, university, the places he lived and positions he held in the army and government, etc. and whether he changed his way of speaking according to the audience he was addressing (Ivy League students, diplomats, soldiers . . .). Every one of the linguists involved in the discussion ended up exploring his or her own speech habits. It was very interesting.

Jenni Lukac
Local time: 07:31
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 24

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El lenguaje se apropia conceptualmente de la realidad

English translation: Language conceptually appropriates reality

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El lenguaje se apropia conceptualmente de la realidad

English translation: Language conceptually appropriates reality

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KudoZ™ translation helpThe KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

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The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.