GEMS Icebreaker

What is the term for a word that has the same meaning in multiple languages?

• Homonym

• Colgate

• Multimeaning

• Cognate

What is the Spanish word for “thank you very much”?

• Por Favor

• Grazie Mille

• Merci Beaucop

• Muchas Gracias

Martha speaks, reads, writes, and understands English, Spanish, French, and Italian. She is _____.

• Trilingual
• Multilingual

• Bilingual

• Language fluid

What is the Japanese term for “hello”?

• Arigatou

• Konnichiwa

• Hai

• Watashiwa

What is the Portuguese word for “friend”?

• Desculpa

• Oi

• Fripe

• Amigo

Which famous Spanish painter's name is synonymous with a period of artistic innovation?

• Picasso

• Michelangelo

• Gomez

• Dali

What is a common scholarship specifically for students studying abroad?

• Fulbright

• Boren

• Gilman

• Freeman

• CIEE

Which Asian country is home to the Great Wall?

Fun Fact: The Great Wall is over 13,000 miles in length.

• Asia

• China

• Beijing

• Japan

What is Kwanzaa, and what does it celebrate?

Answer explanation

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage that takes place from December 26 to January 1.

Kwanzaa's seven core principles are: 

• Umoja (Unity) 

• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) 

• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) 

• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) 

• Nia (Purpose) 

• Kuumba (Creativity) 

• Imani (Faith)

What is Jamaica's national fruit?

• Lime

• Pineapple

• Tamarind

• Ackee