Several years ago I had the privilege of visiting London, Paris, Florence, and Rome with a group of teachers and students. It was the trip of a lifetime for me. It ended on a literal and metaphorical high note when a short Italian Dean Martin sang “That’s Amore” to our group the night before we departed for home.
That’s Amore! I was familiar with the song because I’m old school, but I also knew the word amo from my high school Latin class. Love and friendship surrounded our group that night and left me with the fondest of memories.
I had been concerned that my lack of foreign language knowledge might hinder my enjoyment of the trip; however, communication was not an issue. Smiles and a friendly Latin teacher helped our needs to be met.
Throughout my teaching career I have been privileged to know and work with several foreign language teachers. Their love for their languages has inspired my lesson for today. To them I say, “Gracias por la inspiración.”
According to William Arthur Ward, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”
How many of the following foreign phrases can you identify? Check your knowledge with the terms and definitions chart, and complete the crossword puzzle if you need a challenge.
- Ad hoc
- Ad infinitum
- Coup de grâce
- Cri de Coeur
- En masse
- Ennui
- Fait accompli
- In medias res
- Je ne sais quoi
- Mea culpa
- Modus operandi
- Nom de plume
- Persona non grata
- Pro bono
- Quid pro quo
- Savoir-faire
- Sotto voce
- Terra incognita
- Veni, vidi, vici
- Verboten
If you prefer a word search to a crossword puzzle, have fun! (Please note that no spaces were used in preparing these worksheets.)
On this day after Valentine’s Day, may you find love in a warm smile, and may you share the universal language of kindness.
“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore.” You’re singin’ it now, aren’t you?
Numbers 6:25; Mark 16:17
