Much has been written and said about human stupidity. From ancient times to the present day, our ancestors have attempted to explain human stupidity, even attributing it to a deity. However, no linguist has endeavored to discover the true origin of the word. What insight does the Albanian language offer into this concept?
In Greek mythology, Koalemos (Ancient Greek: Κοάλεμος) was the god of stupidity, also known as the fool, mentioned in the works of Aristophanes and Plutarch's Parallel Lives. The Latin spelling of the name is Coalemus. Furthermore, the word κοάλεμος was used to describe a "fool". An ancient false etymology suggests that κοάλεμος originates from κοέω (koeō), meaning "to perceive", and ἡλεός (ēleos), meaning "disturbed" or "crazy". However, the true etymology of this word remains unconfirmed.
The Albanian language employs symbolic expressions such as "lënë, i marrë, i ka ikur mendja, ka kaluar, shkalluar".
The phrase "E ka lënë mendtë" exists in English as a symbolic expression of madness, translated as "has lost his mind". But how can the Albanian adjective "lënë" be deciphered? The phrase "E ka lënë mendja" is an idiom, but how is the thought constructed literally?
In English, this phrase can be translated as "He has lost his mind", implying that someone is acting irrationally or strangely, suggesting that they are crazy, mad, or stupid.
Key points about this idiome in both languages include:
- Figurative language: When you have your mind, you act reasonably; when you do not have it, you are no longer in control of your mental faculties.
- Unique Albanian expression: The mind "lënë" (leaves) you, implying that it is no longer with you.
- Guiding principle: The mind guides our actions.
The English phrase "he has lost his mind" is essentially synonymous with the Albanian expression. However, the uniqueness of Albanian lies in its ability to convey this concept through a single word, "lënë". The semantics of "lënë" and its various meanings break down the idiom "e ka lënë mendë".
The meanings of "lënë" include:
- Left by someone else, inherited
- Left; abandoned; forgotten
- Left by her powers (due to old age or illness); left-handed
- who has lost his mind, out of his mind; crazy, mad
In essence, "lënë" stands for "abandoned" or "left" in the passive sense of the Albanian language verb "lë" (leave), implying that the object of the mind itself leaves a person.
The mythological "Greek" word κοάλεμος bears a striking resemblance to the Albanian phrase "ko e le men-ia". This phrase can be divided into its constituent parts:
- "ko" = have (has)
- "e le" = left, lost
- "meno" = mind
In Geg Albanian, the expression "E ka le menia" is still used, translating to "they have lost their minds" or "foolish, crazy". According to the Albanian dictionary, this phrase is synonymous with "lënë", meaning "they have lost their minds".
In conclusion, the etymological analysis of the word κοάλεμος reveals a complex and intriguing history. While ancient Greek and Latin sources provide some insight, the Albanian connection offers a new perspective on the origin of the word. As linguists and historians continue to explore the complexity of language evolution, it is essential to consider the cultural and linguistic exchange between ancient civilizations.
Meaning of "lënë" from the Albanian dictionary:
lënë (adjective)
4. Who have lost their minds, derived from the brains; crazy, mad: he is completely out of his mind.
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