Welcome back to The Language Classroom! Over the last year, we’ve often explored AI’s struggles with human language. But while technology is still catching up, people have been finding ways to connect across cultures for centuries. One of the most fascinating ways? Shared phrases, idioms, and expressions that link communities—even across vastly different languages. But how does language build cross-cultural connections?
Have you ever heard a saying in another language and thought, “Wow, we say something just like that”!? That’s because, despite cultural differences, human experiences—love, laughter, struggle, and triumph—are universal. Let’s take a closer look at the phrases that bind us across borders and what they reveal about the human experience!
The Universality of Common Sayings and How They Build Cross-Cultural Connections
While languages may seem worlds apart, certain expressions pop up in multiple cultures with almost identical meanings.
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” – This English phrase, meaning children tend to take after their parents, has counterparts in many languages, like the German “Der Apfel fällt nicht weit vom Stamm” and the Spanish “De tal palo, tal astilla” (From such a stick, such a splinter).
“Actions speak louder than words.” – Found in variations from Russian (“Дела говорят громче слов”) to Arabic (“الأفعال تتحدث بصوت أعلى من – al’afeal tatahadath bisawt ‘aelaa man”), this phrase reminds us that what we do matters more than what we say.
These similar sayings show that human wisdom transcends language barriers!
Expressions That Don’t Translate (But Should!)
Some phrases are so unique to a culture that they don’t have a perfect equivalent in other languages—but their meaning is instantly relatable.
- “C’est la vie” (French) – That’s life! A simple way of accepting fate, often with a shrug.
- “Jugaad” (Hindi/Punjabi) – A term for clever problem-solving, making do with whatever you have (something we’ve all done at some point!).
- “L’esprit de l’escalier” (French) – The spirit of the staircase—that moment when you think of the perfect comeback, but it’s too late.
- “Tingo” (Pascuense, from Easter Island) – The act of borrowing things from a friend’s house until nothing is left. (Hopefully, this one isn’t too relatable!)
Even when direct translations fail, these words and phrases tell us so much about the cultures they come from!
The Power of Greetings and Politeness in Building Cross-Cultural Connections
One of the first things we learn in any language is how to greet people—and every culture has its own unique way of doing so.
- In Japan, a simple “Ohayou gozaimasu” (Good morning) is often paired with a bow, showing deep respect.
- In South Africa, the Zulu greeting “Sawubona” means “I see you,” emphasizing recognition and acknowledgment.
- In Arabic-speaking cultures, “As-salamu alaykum” means “Peace be upon you,” reinforcing values of peace and goodwill.
Even the way we say “thank you” can reveal cultural attitudes—like in Thailand, where a slight bow is often added to “Khop khun ka/khrab” as a sign of gratitude.
Borrowed Words That Travel Across Cultures
Ever noticed how some words migrate from one language to another? Here’s a look at how words and cultural traditions spread across cultures!
Kindergarten – A German word meaning “children’s garden,” now used worldwide for early schooling.
Déjà vu – A French phrase meaning “already seen,” but used globally to describe that eerie feeling of familiarity.
Safari – A Swahili word that originally meant “journey” but is now used everywhere for wildlife expeditions.
Guru – Originally Sanskrit for a spiritual teacher, now used in English for experts in any field.
Languages are constantly borrowing from each other, proof of how interconnected we all are!
Wrapping Up
Even when we speak different languages, our shared human experiences connect us. Language reminds us that we’re not so different after all, whether through similar proverbs, untranslatable expressions, or universal greetings.
As always, The Language Classroom will be back next week, ready to entice and educate avid linguists with fun, fascinating, and informative content that aims to keep digital communities connected and the human touch of language alive in the age of AI! Stay tuned for more…