How Oma Says Love You - The Power of Multilingual Affection

They say that love knows no boundaries, and it definitely knows no language barrier. Love is a universal feeling that can be expressed in various ways, transcending cultures and languages. One beautiful example of this is how Oma, the Dutch word for grandmother, says "Love You" to her grandchildren.

Oma, the matriarch of a typical Dutch family, holds a special place in the hearts of her grandchildren. She has a unique approach to expressing her love for them, involving a mix of traditional customs and her own endearing gestures. Her unconditional affection surpasses language barriers and creates a deeper connection between her and her young ones.

As Oma grew up in the Netherlands, a country rich in traditions and a diverse linguistic landscape, she learned to appreciate the power of language and its impact on human relationships. The Dutch language itself is known for its lovely vocabulary, and Oma embraces this aspect in expressing her love.

How Oma Says I Love You

by Shanie Cooper(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19296 KB
Print length	:	88 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

When her grandchildren are born, Oma immediately showers them with affectionate Dutch terms such as "Liefje" (sweetie) or "Schatje" (treasure). These endearing words carry not only the meaning of love but also a sense of tenderness and care. They warm the hearts of her grandchildren, making them feel loved and cherished.

However, Oma's expression of love transcends the boundaries of a single language. She understands that her grandchildren live in a multicultural world. They are exposed to various languages at school, among friends, and in their everyday lives. To ensure that her love reaches them in the most profound way possible, Oma embraces the languages that her grandchildren encounter regularly.

For instance, she learns a few phrases in French and Spanish, two commonly taught languages at her grandkids' school. She practices saying "Je t'aime" and "Te quiero," making an effort to incorporate these phrases when she says "Love You" to her beloved grandchildren. By doing so, she not only shows her love but also acknowledges and respects the languages and cultures that surround her grandchildren.

The power of multilingual affection goes beyond surface-level gestures. It fosters a sense of inclusivity, teaching the young ones to appreciate the beauty of different languages and cultures. Oma's actions become a living example of accepting diversity, and her grandchildren grow up valuing multiculturalism.

The beauty of Oma's multilingual "Love You" lies in the way she personalizes it for each grandchild, tailoring the expression to match their unique interests and backgrounds. For instance, if she has a grandchild who enjoys Japanese anime, she would take the time to learn how to say "Love You" in Japanese, adding a touch of personalization that deepens the connection between them.

The long-lasting impact of Oma's multilingual expressions of love is evident as her grandchildren grow older. They become more receptive to the world's languages, seeing them as opportunities for connection rather than barriers. They develop a curiosity and respect for different cultures, carrying Oma's lessons of love and inclusivity into their adult lives.

Oma's approach teaches us that love can be spoken in many languages. It reminds us that love has the power to bridge cultures and create stronger bonds. In a world that is becoming increasingly diverse, embracing multilingual expressions of love becomes even more crucial.

So, the next time you tell someone "I love you," consider adding a touch of multilingual affection, just like Oma does. It might be a simple phrase or term in another language, but it can make a world of difference in fostering deeper connections and spreading more love.

How Oma Says I Love You

by Shanie Cooper(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19296 KB
Print length	:	88 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

How many different ways can you say, “I love you?”

They cook, sew, and read together, but best of all, Oma tells Rosie stories about her childhood. Even though they are generations apart, Rosie and Oma are not so different at all. And Rosie discovers that every interaction is another opportunity to say “I love you.”

Join Rosie as she learns about love, tradition, history, and the importance of connection.