The Global Language of Kites

As you can see from this partial list, kite flying occurs all over the world. Each language has its own term and probably own distinct meaning or translation. No matter what country or what language, kite flying brings smiles wherever it happens.

Afrikaans - Vlieers
Arabic - Tayara
Argentina - Barilete
Belgian - Plakwaaier
Chinese - Fung jung , Pianzi
Dutch - Vlieger
English - Kite
Estonian - Lohe
Finnish - Leijani
French - Cerf volant
German - Drachen
Greek - Xoptaetou
Hebrew - Afifon
Hindi - Pathang
Icelandic - Flugdreki
Indonesia - Layang-layang
Italian - Aquilone, Cervo volante
Japanese - Tako
Korean - Youn
Mexican - Papalote
Norwegian & Danish - Drage
Persian - Badbadak (wind-little-wind)
Polish - Latawiec
Portuguese - Pipas, Papagaio
Philippines - Saranggola
Russian - Letuchij zmeij, zmei
Serbo-Croat - Zmaj
Slovak - Sarkan
Spanish - Cometas
Swedish - Drake
Thai - Wau, Wow
American Sign Language - If you are right handed, take your left hand index finger, and point (touching) to the center of your right wrist just below your right palm, with your palm flat (fingers extended to indicate a bigger kite). Your right thumb would normally be about 4-6 inches away from your right cheek, initially. At the same time wiggle your right hand while raising it higher, about 6-10 inches.

Please note that these words are in their Anglicized version. The terms come from kites.org copyright 1998; Kites, Kids and Education (copyright) David Ellis, Kansas City Kite Club; Charlie Charlton with help from rec.org.