foreign language crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "foreign language crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "foreign language crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
LATIN: A classical language, widely studied and often appearing in crosswords as a general 'foreign language'.
LINGO: An informal term for a language, dialect, or jargon, which can fit the 'foreign language' context.
6 Letters
FRENCH: A prominent Romance language, frequently used in crosswords to represent a 'foreign language'.
TONGUE: Can refer to a language in a general sense, as in 'mother tongue' or 'foreign tongue'.
7 Letters
SPANISH: One of the world's most spoken languages, often featured in crosswords as a common 'foreign language'.
More About "foreign language crossword clue"
Crossword puzzles often feature clues that point towards foreign languages due to their rich vocabulary and cultural significance. These clues can range from direct references, such as "Language of Paris" for FRENCH, to more subtle allusions like "Ancient Roman's talk" for LATIN. Understanding the common foreign languages that appear in crosswords can significantly boost your solving speed.
Common choices include the Romance languages (French, Spanish, Italian), German, and classical languages like Latin and Greek. Sometimes, the clue might be a word from that language, expecting you to provide its English meaning, or vice-versa. Familiarity with basic terms, greetings, or common phrases in these languages can be a huge advantage.
Furthermore, clues might occasionally refer to "slang" or "jargon" within a specific group, leading to answers like LINGO. The key is to consider the length of the answer and how the clue might be playing on the word "language" itself, rather than just a specific tongue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always look at the surrounding clues and already solved letters. They can provide vital context or rule out certain foreign languages based on the letter pattern.
- Common Languages First: When faced with a generic "foreign language" clue, first consider the most common ones like French, Spanish, Latin, or German. They are statistical favorites.
- Think Metaphorically: Sometimes "language" isn't about a country's official tongue but a way of speaking, like LINGO or TONGUE (as in 'mother tongue'). Always consider the double meaning.
- Brush up on Basics: A little knowledge of common foreign words or phrases, especially Latin and French terms often used in English, can make these clues much easier.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are foreign languages common answers in crosswords?
Foreign languages, especially widely known ones like Latin, French, German, or Spanish, are common because they offer a broad vocabulary and can be clued in many ways, from direct translation to cultural references. They add a layer of challenge and educational value to the puzzle.
What's the best way to recognize foreign language clues?
Look for specific indicators in the clue itself, such as 'language of love' (French), 'ancient Roman' (Latin), or direct references like 'Spanish for 'hello''. Sometimes, the context of other solved words in the puzzle can also point towards a specific language.
Are obscure or dead languages ever used in crosswords?
While common languages are more frequent, some crosswords, especially more challenging ones, might feature words from less common or dead languages (beyond Latin) if they have a recognizable English equivalent or a strong cultural association. However, these are typically well-clued to assist the solver.