You already know Happy Birthday. The funny thing is: nearly everywhere uses the same tune, but the words change completely.
Who can try even one line in another language? Even one line counts.
Here is the same birthday tune in three languages. We take them one at a time. Listen for where the words stretch or squeeze to fit the melody. After each version, echo the first line together.
Happy birthday to you
Rough sound guide: HAP-ee BERTH-day too YOO
Lá breithe shona duit
Rough sound guide: law BREH-huh HUN-uh gwit
Cumpleaños feliz
Rough sound guide: koom-pleh-AHN-yos feh-LEES
Your teacher will model the full verse for each language. Your job is the first-line echo.
A few short spoken clips in different languages. Listen for the sound of the language, not for a birthday tune.
Some clips are languages we already sang. Some may be new: listen for the sound, not a word you already know.
What to do: Listen twice. When your teacher pauses, put your thumb up if you have a guess, then share the language and one sound that gave it away.
First we say the Irish first line together once more. Then pick one line from the board (Irish or Spanish is fine). Copy it as best you can, or write the sounds you remember. Note which language it is. Spelling does not have to be perfect.
You may also invent a phonetic spelling of a birthday line you hear at home in another language, if you prefer.
Same birthday tune, but where in Europe might you hear it with English, Irish or Spanish words? Help your teacher find a few party spots on the map.
When the teacher opens a country: thumbs up if you think people there might sing the English, Irish or Spanish birthday line, then call out which one.
Watch for stops such as Ireland, Spain and the UK (and one more if there is time).
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