Word Origins

English is derived from many languages around the world. Use the following words as examples to illustrate this.

• typhoon – Chinese
• wagon – Dutch
• liberty – French
• democracy – Greek
• chipmunk – Native American
• balcony – Italian
• education – Latin
• tomato – Spanish

Have your students use a dictionary to learn the origins of words you provide. In addition to gaining a greater appreciation of the English language, your students will improve their dictionary skills.