The Greek phrase “Η άλεξη γλώσσα των ξύλων” does not have a common, direct literal translation into English that captures its intended meaning, as the word “άλεξη” is an invented term (neologism) used by the author, Isidoros Papadamou, who is a luthier (stringed instrument maker) specializing in the bouzouki.
In his book, he explains that the term “άλεξη” (“alexi” – the coined word) is not related to “άλεκτη” (the unspoken/unspeakable) but refers to the “language” (the sound, the soul) that the instrument maker tries to discover and express through their work on the wood.
The complete book name is:
The wordless language of woods. Secrets of sound in the bouzouki and other stringed instruments making.
