Kindness Is a Universal Language, Even When Words Fail
- Lola Adeosun
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
You don’t have to speak the same language to communicate kindness.
I had the most beautiful encounter with a Polish lady recently, and it reminded me of something we often forget in a fast-paced, multicultural world: kindness is a universal language.
I visited her and sat in her living room, and somehow, we were having the most amazing conversation. Here’s the surprising part: she didn’t speak much English, and I don’t speak Polish at all. Yet the language barrier didn’t block connection, it didn’t shut down warmth, and it didn’t stop laughter from filling the room.
Within minutes, we were chatting like old friends.
When Words Don’t Match, Hearts Still Can
At times, she would slip into Polish mid-conversation. Other times, I would speak at length in English, forgetting she was only fluent in Polish. Then I’d catch the puzzled look on her face, realise I’d lost her, and slow down. But even then, nothing felt awkward. We found a rhythm: smiles, tone, patience, shared presence.
By the end of the visit, she told me she genuinely enjoyed our conversation despite the language barrier. That stayed with me, because it proved something powerful: connection isn’t only built with vocabulary, it’s built with compassion.
Kindness in Different Languages
After that encounter, I decided to explore what “kindness” means in different languages, and it made the message even deeper:
In Polish, kindness is życzliwość. In Korean, it’s chinjeo. In Zambian Nyanja, it’s kukoma mtima. In Yoruba, my native language, it’s Oore.
Different words, same heartbeat.
International Mother Language Day: A Perfect Reminder
February is also the month we celebrate International Mother Language Day (February 21st), and it’s such a beautiful opportunity to reflect on language, culture, and the everyday ways we can honour one another.
We live and work in a richly multicultural society: different boroughs, different backgrounds, different stories. Imagine the impact we could have if we chose to practise kindness a little more intentionally, especially across cultural and language differences.
A Simple Challenge: Speak Kindness in Someone’s “Home Language”
What if, during lunch, in the car park, on the bus, at work, or even in a quick passing moment, you said something kind to someone in their native language, and they returned that warmth in yours?
Even a small effort can make someone feel seen.
Because the truth is this: while words can get lost in translation, kindness rarely does.
Kindness Is the Only Currency With No Exchange Rate
An unspoken gesture, a smile, a helping hand, these are understood instantly from anywhere to everywhere.
Kindness doesn’t need:
perfect grammar
a shared accent
a translator
a common background
It only needs presence, compassion, and heart.
As the quote says, “Everybody smiles in the same language.”
Everybody smiles in the same language.
So, What Language Will You Use Today?
Here’s a gentle question to carry into your day:
What would you say or do to brighten someone’s day, bring a spark to their eyes, or make them feel less alone, even for a moment?
Your kindness might be the hyacinth moment in someone else’s ordinary day: small, unexpected, and quietly unforgettable.
Share Your Kindness Story
Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s keep encouraging one another.
Have a lovely, kindness-inspired week.
Lola x
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