How People Express Laughter in Different Languages Around the World

For those who speak English, “hahaha” is a common way to convey laughter in written text. Although it's easy to assume that this is a universal expression, there are many different ways for people to chuckle (on paper and online) in other languages. Latinos Post decided to create a series that provides insight into how people throughout the world laugh online, based on the prominent language in their country.

The informative graphics highlight the myriad of ways to pronounce the “ha” sound. For someone who doesn't understand the particular language, however, these iterations can seem perplexing. In Thai, someone would type “555” to say “hahaha.” This is because the number five is read as “ha,” so onomatopoeically, the two sound the same. The Japanese language also uses a lot of onomatopoeia sounds, and typing “WWW” is a quick way to express laughter.

Ultimately, the series highlights the beauty of language, showcasing its many nuances and variations. It might inspire you to learn a new tongue!

Latinos Post: Website | Facebook
via [Design TAXI]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
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