“Hello,” is a common expression
in many languages. Whether that greeting is expressed in person, over the phone, over social media, through chat or text programs. Perhaps, it comes by way of a face to face conversation. Either way it nice to hear someone greet you. In Western cultures the term “Hello” is used to acknowledge someone’s presence or to start a conversation. There are slang versions such as hey, what’s up, what’s happening, and countless others but the meaning is the same. But what about in other languages or cultures, does this greeting express the same thing?
In French, the greeting means “Good day,” and in Italian it means both “hello and goodbye.” In other cultures, it expresses a wish for health, peace, wholeness, or more of a desire to see your happiness.
Greetings not part of real conversation
Often, and especially in North America we greet one another by saying, “Hello, how are you?” but, our lives are so hectic and faced paced we don’t always have to time to truly hear the response. Our greetings are expressed more in passing and not as part of any real conversations.
We hadn’t thought about the diverse meanings or the deeper expression toward other human beings that is found in the different languages until now. Just in the few languages we mention here; saying “Hello” conveys a greater compassion, more goodwill, and a more genuine desire for the person’s life to be well than what is found in our North American greeting.
Learning a different language might enlighten understanding
Is it possible that learning a different language might enlighten our understanding of others or allow us to great one another with heartfelt sincerity? We are speaking of the simple word “Hello.” What would we learn or how might we grow as human beings if we discovered the true depth and meaning of words like family, friend, brother, sister, mother, father, or how about the word love? How would our relationships change or our actions toward one another?
Learning another language isn’t just about speaking the same words but with different spelling and pronunciation; it is about connecting to others in a more meaningful and passionate way. The next time someone says “Hello” wouldn’t it be almost a relief if it was genuinely said with wishes for goodness, health, peace, wholeness, and the desire to see your greater happiness?
What a world we would live in.
From the Project Crew at My Project Club