Have you ever wondered how people say hello in other countries or where some of your favourite words come from? Languages are like secret codes that connect us all around the world.
In this lesson, you will:
People all around the world speak different languages. A language helps us share ideas, tell stories, and talk to other people.
Learning new languages can be exciting because it helps us understand different cultures and make new friends from around the world.
Speaking more than one language is like a workout for your brain. It helps you think faster, solve problems better, and even remember things more easily as you grow older.
There are more than 7,000 languages spoken around the world! Some languages are spoken by millions of people, while others are spoken by smaller communities.
For example:
Papua New Guinea has over 800 languages spoken there, even though it is a small country. That makes it one of the most linguistically diverse places on Earth.
Around the world, people greet each other in different ways. A greeting is how we say hello, welcome someone, or show respect when we meet them.
Some greetings use words, while others use actions like bows, handshakes, or hugs. These greetings are part of each country’s culture and traditions.
| Greeting | Country / Culture | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| Handshake | Many countries | A polite way to greet someone by shaking hands |
| Céad Míle Fáilte | Ireland | Means “one hundred thousand welcomes” in Irish |
| Wai | Thailand | A greeting where people press their hands together and bow slightly |
| Abrazo | Spain / Latin America | A friendly hug used to greet friends and family |
| Bonjour | France | A common way to say hello during the day |
| Namaste | India / Nepal | A respectful greeting with hands together and a small bow |
| Konnichiwa | Japan | A polite way to say hello |
Greetings are used all around the world to say hello and show respect. Different countries and cultures have their own special ways of greeting people.
In this activity, you will see a greeting and a list of country options. Look carefully at the greeting and choose the country where it comes from.
Take your time, think carefully, and have fun discovering how people greet each other around the world! 🌍👋✨
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