How to Say Thank You in Ten Languages (and What They Mean to Me) Plus a Message to AC Content Producers

Languages are one of my loves. Any time I go into a new country or situation, I try to learn as much as I can about the language of the native speakers. While thinking about Thanksgiving, I wandered into a website that tells you how to say "Thank you" in 465 languages. I started noticing that certain languages evoke certain feelings and memories in me.

Here are the languages that have meaning for me. (Note: the "thank you's" in each of the following cases are not necessarily all-inclusive.)

1. Dutch (Netherlands, Belgium) - Dank u

Holland is a great place to visit. I spent some time in Amsterdam and discovered a sandwich called "broodje van kootje" (broo-juh vahn koojuh). I think of those sandwiches fondly and all the great food in Amsterdam to this day. To the Dutch people, for their culture and hospitality I say "dank u".

2. French (France, Belgium, Africa, Canada) - Merci, merci beaucoup (thank you very much)

I lived and studied in France for a year (junior year in college). When you go into a small shop like a boulangerie (bakery), you are expected to be very formal and polite with the owner. You (must) greet the shop owner with a singsong "Bon jour madame!" After your transaction with her is finished, you leave the store with a polite "Merci beaucoup madame!" For their architecture, cathedrals, and sights, and for their education of a young woman (on both the good and the bad), I say "merci beaucoup" to the French.

3. German (Central Europe) - Danke

I visited East Berlin one Christmas, when the Wall was still up. The guards in the towers were scary. The guards on the grounds, with their ferocious-looking German shepherds, were scary. I would just like to say "danke" for not shooting me on that cold, gray Christmas Eve.

4. Greek (Greece, Cyprus) - Efharisto

Greece is a beautiful place with history like you've never seen before. People appreciate you trying to learn their language. When we stopped at a small mom and pop grocery store way out in the country somewhere, I couldn't say much but "cheese" and "bread" in Greek. But boy did their faces light up when I tried my best to say "efharisto". To the Greeks, I say "efharisto" for their amazing history.

5. Hawaiian (Hawaii) - Mahalo

Never been to Hawaii but I would love to go, love to learn some of the language and culture. Perhaps I could pick up some of the basics of the language on TV, like Hawaii 5-0 or Baywatch. To the Hawaiians, I say "Mahalo" for their beautiful culture and islands.

6. Hebrew (Israel) - Toda, toda raba (thank you very much)

I started to learn Hebrew because some of my very good friends speak Hebrew fluently. Alas, I moved 3,000 miles away, and there is no practical reason for learning Hebrew anymore. To my friends I say "toda raba". They know what the "thanks" is for.

7. Italian (Central Europe, E Africa) - Grazie

My parents were finally able to go to Italy a few years back. They visited Rome, Pompeii, Florence, and Venice. They came back with sparkles in their eyes, and my mother said it was "very romantic". I didn't push for details on that one. To my parents, and I can't say this strongly enough, a very big "Grazie!"

8. Japanese (Japan) - Arigato

Martial arts have been a big part of my life for about 20 years, so I know a little Japanese from that exposure. For giving karate to the world, I say "arigato" to the Japanese.

9. Lakotah (North America, Sioux Indian) - Pilamaya ye (female speaking), Pilamaya yelo (male speaking)

Years ago I took a DIY course in Lakotah - a very interesting language. I visited a traditional camp of the Lakotah in the Black Hills in South Dakota one Thanksgiving, which taught me some things about perspective on life. I feel a tremendous amount of respect for the Lakotah people, and to them I say a heartfelt "pilamaya ye" for all that they have taught me.

10. Spanish (Spain, America) - Gracias, muchas gracias (thank you very much)

The southwest has pretty much been my home most of my life. Spanish is spoken throughout the southwest and California, so it's a good idea to know some. For their great contributions to food (enchiladas, tortillas, chile rellenos), I say "muchas gracias" to the Mexican people.

11. Tahitian (Tahiti) - Mauruuru

Ever since I was about 12, I've wanted to go to Tahiti. I will study the language a bit before I go, because 1) I love languages, and 2) I like to know what people around me are saying. I know I will love Tahiti! So I say in advance to the Tahitian islanders, "mauruuru" for the great time I am going to have there!

OK, so that's more than 10. I am going to add one more and say it in English. To all the AC Content Producers and staff, I say a very big "Thank you!" for all your support, patience, and help. I say a big "Thank you!" for the contributions you have made to my life, whether you know it or not. Happy Thanksgiving!