Eating Is an English Word

Eating is generally understood as a human need that people satisfy in diverse ways. <i>Eating</i> however is also an English word. Other languages using other words order reality differently: they may fuse <i>eating</i> with <i>breathing</i> or distinguish <i>chupar</i> from <i>comer</i>. Anthropologists flag such differences by leaving a few of <i>their</i> words untranslated but what language do <i>we</i> think in? This isn't necessarily English. <i>We</i> may be linguistically closer to those whose practices we study: <i>them</i>. Against this background <i>Eating Is an English Word</i> argues that social scientists should let go of the dream of universal concepts. Our analytical terms had better vary. Annemarie Mol and her coauthors exemplify this in a series of material semiotic inquiries into eating practices. They employ terms like <i>lekker</i> <i>tasting with fingers</i> <i>chupar</i> <i>schmecka</i> <i>gustar</i> and <i>settling on an okay meal</i> to explore appreciative modes of valuing. Welcome then to spirited stories about satisfied stomachs love for a lamb juicy fruit treats and companionable lunches and dinners.