Do Good, Be Good
Respect Check
There are many ways to say hello around the world. Learning about them is a fun way to show respect to people who are different from us!
Did you know?
Among the Māori people of New Zealand, a traditional greeting called the hongi means gently pressing noses and foreheads together. It stands for sharing the 'breath of life'.
In Thailand, people greet each other with a 'wai': palms pressed together and a slight bow. Holding the hands higher shows even more respect.
In Japan, people bow to greet, to say thank you or to say sorry. A small bow is casual, while a deeper bow shows more respect. Keeping the back straight matters too!
Try this: Thank-You Chart
Ask classmates, neighbours or family members how to say 'thank you' in their home language. Write each word, with the name of its language, on a big chart. How many languages can your class collect? Practise saying them all, and use one the next time someone helps you!
Go further: Talking with Hands
Many deaf people use sign language. It uses hand shapes, movements and facial expressions instead of spoken words. India has its own Indian Sign Language. Every year on 23 September, the world celebrates the International Day of Sign Languages, which was first observed in 2018. Ask a teacher to help you learn how to sign 'hello' and 'thank you' in Indian Sign Language.