Translating Happiness

Western psychology is rooted in the philosophies and epistemologies of Western culture. But what of concepts and insights from outside this frame of reference? Certain terms not easily translatable into English - for example, nirvaa (from Sanskrit), or agape (from Classical Greek), or turangawaewae (from Maori) - are rich with meaning but largely unavailable to English- speaking students and seekers of wellbeing. In this book, Tim Lomas argues that engaging with untranslatable terms related to well-being can enrich not only our understanding but also our experience. We can use these words, Lomas suggests, to understand and express feelings and experiences that were previously inexpressible.