Learning a new language can be an enriching experience, especially when it comes to understanding the technical and scientific terms that are pivotal in various fields of study and industry. Among the many languages rich with history and culture, Nepali stands out with its unique terms and phrases used in technical and scientific contexts. This article delves into the world of technical and scientific terms in Nepali, providing English speakers with insights and examples to enhance their understanding and use of these terms effectively.
Understanding the Structure of Nepali Language
Nepali, primarily spoken in Nepal and parts of India, is an Indo-Aryan language that has adopted many terms from Sanskrit, especially in technical and scientific fields. The language’s structure includes Devanagari script, which is also used for Hindi, Marathi, and Sanskrit. This connection to Sanskrit facilitates a rich vocabulary, particularly in academic and formal settings.
Technical Terms in Nepali
Technical terms are essential for professionals who are involved in engineering, information technology, and other technical fields. Knowing these terms not only helps in understanding the technical documents but also aids in communicating more effectively with Nepali-speaking colleagues.
Computer in Nepali is called कम्प्युटर (Kampyutara). For instance, if you want to say “The computer is not working,” you would say, कम्प्युटर चलेको छैन (Kampyutara chaleko chaina).
Software is termed as सफ्टवेयर (Saphṭaveyara). A sentence like “I am installing new software” translates to म सफ्टवेयर इन्स्टल गर्दैछु (Ma saphṭaveyara insṭala gardaichu).
Scientific Terms in Nepali
The field of science encompasses a wide variety of disciplines, each with its own set of specific terms. In Nepali, much like in other languages, scientific terminology often derives from Latin or Greek, although there are unique terms as well.
Gravity, for instance, is known as गुरुत्वाकर्षण (Gurutvakarṣaṇa). You could use it in a sentence like, पृथ्वीमा गुरुत्वाकर्षण छ (Pṛthvīmā gurutvakarṣaṇa cha), which means “There is gravity on Earth.”
Chemistry is referred to as रसायन शास्त्र (Rasāyan śāstra). A relevant sentence could be म रसायन शास्त्र पढ्दैछु (Ma rasāyan śāstra paḍhdaichu), meaning “I am studying chemistry.”
Medical and Health-Related Terms in Nepali
Healthcare professionals and students must be acquainted with medical terms in Nepali, especially when dealing with patients or literature in this language.
Medicine is called औषधि (Auṣadhi). For example, to say “I need medicine,” you would say, मलाई औषधि चाहिन्छ (Malāī auṣadhi cāhinchha).
Hospital in Nepali is अस्पताल (Aspatāl). You might hear someone say, उहाँलाई अस्पताल लैजानु पर्छ (Uhā̃lāī aspatāl laijānu parcha), which translates to “He/She needs to be taken to the hospital.”
Technical and Scientific Education in Nepali
For those interested in pursuing technical or scientific education in Nepal, understanding the relevant vocabulary is crucial. Universities and colleges often use English terms along with Nepali, but having a strong foundation in both can be beneficial.
Engineering is called इन्जिनियरिङ (Injinīyariṅga). A student might say, म इन्जिनियरिङ पढ्न चाहान्छु (Ma injinīyariṅga paḍhna chāhānchu), meaning “I want to study engineering.”
Conclusion
Mastering technical and scientific terms in Nepali not only broadens one’s linguistic capabilities but also opens up numerous opportunities for professional and academic growth. Whether you are a scientist, engineer, or healthcare professional, understanding these terms can significantly enhance your interactions and engagements within Nepali-speaking communities.
