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, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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