You already know Happy Birthday. The funny thing is: nearly everywhere uses the same tune, but the words change completely.
Who can try even one line in another language? Even one line counts.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Hear one familiar tune with words from more than one language
- Name a language from listening carefully to its sounds
- Decide whether a song is translated or written again
Here is the same birthday tune in three languages. We take them one at a time. Listen for where the words stretch or squeeze to fit the melody. After each version, echo the first line together.
1. English
Happy birthday to you
Rough sound guide: HAP-ee BERTH-day too YOO
2. Irish
Lá breithe shona duit
Rough sound guide: law BREH-huh HUN-uh gwit
3. Spanish
Cumpleaños feliz
Rough sound guide: koom-pleh-AHN-yos feh-LEES
Your teacher will model the full verse for each language. Your job is the first-line echo.
A few short spoken clips in different languages. Some are languages we sang; some may be new. Listen for the sound, not for a word you already know.
Listen twice, then thumb up when you have a guess: say the language and one sound that gave it away.
You can often name a language before you understand a single word of it. Its vowels, its r and its rhythm give it away.
First we say the Irish first line together once more. Then pick one line from the board (Irish or Spanish is fine). Copy it as best you can, or write the sounds you remember. Note which language it is. Spelling does not have to be perfect.
Lines still on the board
- English: Happy birthday to you
- Irish: Lá breithe shona duit (law BREH-huh HUN-uh gwit)
- Spanish: Cumpleaños feliz (koom-pleh-AHN-yos feh-LEES)
You may also invent a phonetic spelling of a birthday line you hear at home in another language, if you prefer.
Same birthday tune — but where in Europe might you hear it with English, Irish or Spanish words? Your teacher clicks countries on the map on the board; there is nothing for you to drag.
When a country opens: thumbs up if you think people there might sing the English, Irish or Spanish birthday line, then call out which one.
Watch for stops such as Ireland, Spain and the UK, and one more if there is time.
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