B2 – Upper Intermediate
People often wonder why countries have different names in different languages. These names are more than just words; they carry stories of history, culture, and identity. They also show how languages reflect the way people see the world around them.
Let’s read the article to discover how languages shape the way we refer to countries and why these differences make our world more diverse and fascinating.
- What does the phrase “view something through unique lenses“? “This linguistic diversity unites us, showing how all genders and cultures view the same world through unique lenses.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What is the meaning of the phrase “to derive from“? “For example, in French, Germany is “Allemagne,” derived from the Alamanni tribe, reflecting Roman-era encounters. ” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “a nod to something” mean? “Meanwhile, Arabic calls India “Al-Hind,” referencing the Indus River, a nod to historical trade routes across over 20 countries.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think languages develop different names for the same country?
- How might history or culture influence how a country is named in another language?
- What does a country’s name tell us about the people who use it?
- How do you feel when you hear your country being called by a different name in another language?
- In what ways do these differences in names show the diversity of human perspectives?