In this episode, host Mike Ferguson delves into the etymology of the word 'coffee' as explored in William Harrison Ukers' in Chapter 1 of All About Coffee. The conversation covers the linguistic challenges and historical perspectives surrounding the origins of the word, including references to various scholars and their contributions to the understanding of coffee's etymology. The episode also highlights the significance of cultural exchanges and the evolution of language as it pertains to coffee.

Episode Notes

• Takeaways
• The podcast explores the etymology of the word coffee.
• Etymology involves phonetic changes and linguistic borrowings.
• Hobson-Jobson is a key reference for English borrowings from Indian languages.
• The Arabic word for coffee is qahwah, which evolved into various forms.
• Skepticism exists regarding the connection between coffee and the Kaffa region.
• Historical figures like Sir James Murray contributed to the understanding of coffee's etymology.
• The debate among scholars continues regarding the origins of the word coffee.
• Phonetic changes play a crucial role in the evolution of the word coffee.
• French perspectives on coffee's etymology highlight differing opinions.
• Biographical insights on key figures enrich the discussion of coffee's history.

• Chapters
• 00:00 Introduction to All About Coffee
• 01:05 Etymology of Coffee: The Beginning
• 03:30 Exploring Hobson-Jobson and Linguistic Borrowings
• 05:56 The Arabic Roots of Coffee
• 09:45 Skepticism Towards Kaffa and African Origins
• 11:39 The Role of Historical Figures in Coffee's Etymology
• 14:00 The Debate Among Scholars
• 20:12 Phonetic Changes in Coffee's Evolution
• 24:25 French Perspectives on Coffee's Etymology
• 27:07 Biographical Insights on Key Figures
• 29:46 Poetic Reflections on Coffee's Heritage

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