People can use different languages — Language, 4–6
People may name the same things in different languages. A different word is not a wrong word; it belongs to another shared way of speaking.
One thing can have different language names
A cat is still the same kind of animal when one person says “cat”, another says “gato” and another says “chat”. The sound changes because the speakers belong to different language communities. The thing has not changed, and none of these words is the only correct one.
Why are there different languages?
People have lived in many places and built many communities. Over a very long time, each community’s way of speaking changed and grew, so languages became different while still doing the same job: helping people share ideas, feelings and plans. Knowing this helps you listen with curiosity instead of calling an unfamiliar word wrong.
Comparing three words for one thing
Place a picture of a sun on the table. Say “sun” in English, “sol” in Portuguese and “soleil” in French. Point to the picture each time: the object stays the same, but the word changes. You have just matched three language labels to one thing without deciding that one label is better.
Different does not mean wrong
It is reasonable to think your familiar word is the proper one, because it is the word you use every day. But another child may use another language at home and know a different word just as well. Ask, “What do you call it?” rather than correcting them; you may learn a new way to say it.
Meeting languages in everyday life
You may hear another language from a family member, neighbour, song, shop sign or journey. A picture, pointing or a friendly question can help when words do not match. Learning even one greeting in someone else’s language shows that you want to meet them halfway.
Keep exploring
Other languages
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