Language: Hebrew (תיקון עולם) | Pronunciation: Tee-koon O-lum

“Tikkun Olam” translates literally to “repairing” or “healing the world”. It is a foundational Jewish concept that emphasizes humanity’s shared responsibility to act as partners with the Divine to fix injustice, heal the sick, and improve society.

For me personally, this concept means being aware of our daily actions and consciously seeking opportunities to address social injustices beyond the borders of our own communities (within our daily work, volunteering, advocating and activating). Living with awareness can also help increase gratitude for one’s own societal privileges, building both empathy and emotional intelligence. 

Language: Tagalog (Filipino) | Pronunciation: goo-nee-tah

“Gunita” is a poetic Tagalog word that means remembrance or memory, often carrying a deep sense of nostalgia and affection for moments, places, and people from the past.

Living in Winnipeg has made me appreciate the meaning of “gunita” even more. It lives in the quiet moments when memories of home return—the familiar roads of Dasmariñas, days at Academia Trinitas, weekend mornings at the market, family meals, afternoons painting with my siblings, and slow days with my dog, Miso—and reminds me that distance does not erase belonging.

Language: Shona (Zimbabwean) | Pronunciation: as it is spelled “ru..do”

“Rudo” means love.

“Rudo” (love) is a powerful word because it’s meaning is universal and is the opposite of hate. With love, we can all come together and appreciate one another and the diversity that we bring to this world.  

Language: Malay (Bahasa Melayu), with cultural roots widely recognized across Malaysia, including Sarawak | Pronunciation: go-tong roy-ong

“Gotong-royong” refers to people coming together to help one another and work collectively for the good of the community.

As someone from Sibu, Malaysia, this expression reflects a value I grew up with—community is strongest when people show up for one another in practical, generous ways. To me, “gotong-royong” is more than cooperation; it is a spirit of shared responsibility, humility, and care that helps people feel they belong.

Language: Punjabi | Pronunciation: char-dee-ka-laa

“Chardikala” is a state of high spirits, optimism, and resilience, even in difficult times.

“Chardikala” reflects a mindset of staying positive and resilient no matter the circumstances. For me, it’s a reminder to approach both life and work with optimism, strength, and a forward-looking attitude.

Language: Warri Slang | Pronunciation: Anyhow anyhow, O’ go’ ro’ must jump

“Anyhow anyhow, Ogoro must jump” means no matter what happens, or how difficult it is, take the leap, face it and overcome the obstacle.

It was often said with a smile, but behind the humor lies a powerful message: “Giving up is not an option”. What I love about the phrase is that it acknowledges reality, it does not pretend life is easy or everything will go according to plan, instead it accepts that there will be obstacles, disappointments, setbacks and moments when the odds seem stacked against you.  The expectation is not perfection, rather perseverance.

When I think about my own journey as someone who has lived in different countries, rebuilt life more than once, moments when I was trying to understand a different culture, build a career from the scratch and prove myself all over again. There were times I questioned whether all the sacrifices were worth it, missing home, family and wondered if I had taken on too much but continued to push forward even when the path ahead was uncertain. Not because I am extraordinary, but because I was raised with the understanding that life becomes difficult, you do not stop. You adjust, you learn and you keep going and showing up even on days when nobody sees the effort.

Most Nigerians are familiar with the phrase “warri no de carry last” not knowing the reason we are never last is because, “Anyhow anyhow, O’ go’ ro’ must jump.”

Language: Croatian | Pronunciation: zhee-veh-lee (sounds exactly how it’s spelled phonetically)

For many Croatians, “Živjeli!” is meaningful because it expresses more than just “cheers.” It carries the idea of wishing life, health, happiness, and good fortune to the people you’re sharing a moment with.

Connection and hospitality: Croatian culture places a strong value on gathering with family, friends, and guests. Saying “Živjeli!” acknowledges the bond between the people at the table.

Celebrating life: Since the word is related to “living,” the toast reflects appreciation for life, health, and the opportunity to be together.

Tradition: Toasting is an important part of many Croatian celebrations—weddings, baptisms, holidays, village festivals, and family meals. “Živjeli!” is a familiar ritual that links generations.

Good wishes: Historically, wishing someone health and a long life carried special weight in communities that experienced hardship, war, disease, or economic uncertainty. A toast wasn’t just ceremonial—it was a genuine blessing.

The significance varies from person to person. For me it is a heartfelt expression of friendship, respect, and shared joy.

Language: Ukrainian | Pronunciation: Vol-ya

“Воля” means both freedom and will, expressing the deep connection between personal strength and the right to live freely.

To me, “воля” is more than just freedom – it’s a deep, unbreakable spirit that lives inside people, even when everything around them tries to take it away. Volya is more than a will; it’s coded in Ukrainian DNA, and those four letters, ВОЛЯ, are reflected in the Ukrainian tryzub – the coat of arms of Ukraine – which I wear every day as a symbol of resilience, dignity, and the courage to choose one’s own path.

Language – Mandarin | Pronunciation – ywen-fen

“Yuan Fen” is a special connection or chance to bring people together, maybe through an unplanned event or activity. It refers to the idea that certain relationships, encounters, or opportunities happen because they are meant to be.

Yuan Fen is a very meaningful concept in Chinese culture that may not have a direct equivalent in English. For me, it represents the belief that every person we meet and every experience we encounter comes into our lives for a reason. These meaningful connections can happen at any moment, often unexpectedly. The idea of “Yuan Fen” encourages me to appreciate each encounter, value the relationships I build, and approach life with an open heart, gratitude, and a willingness to embrace new connections.

Language: Igbo | Pronunciation: Oo-doh

“Udo” means Peace.

“Udo” represents inner calm and harmony with others. To me, it’s a reminder to approach life and people with kindness, patience, and a desire to make them feel understood and welcomed. It reflects the quiet strength of choosing peace in how I live and relate to others.

Language: Nigerian Language, dialect is Yoruba | Pronunciation: Oh-mo-lu-WAH-bi

“Omolúwàbí” describes a person of good character, integrity, and moral uprightness, meaning your purpose is not just about what you achieve, but about how you treat people along the way.

Growing up, my parents always talked about this word, and it has stayed with me my whole life. In Yoruba culture, calling someone this is the highest compliment you can give them.

What makes it so special and powerful is that it is not just about what you achieve, it is about how you treat people along the way. It speaks to having a purpose while also lifting and including others around you.

Language:  Nêhiyawêwin | Pronunciation: gee-SAW-gee-tin-ahwow

“Kisâkihitinâwâw” means “You are all loved by me”.

The language itself is connection and reclaimation: to culture and to my family and my roots. I have learned that love is our greatest gift and how we learn and grow best is through love, community, and supporting unique ways of knowing, doing and being. I strive to put my love into action with courage and humility.

Language: Portuguese/Brazilian Portuguese | Pronunciation: Saudadjee

“Saudade” is a profound Portuguese/Brazilian emotional state of melancholic longing for a person, place, or thing that is absent. It is the acute awareness of a void left by someone or something you cherish.

For me, “saudade” is the “the presence of absence”. While English speakers use phrases like “I miss you”, the phrase “I feel saudade” would mean something like “You are missing from me”. The whole idea is that you are part of me, and I am feeling “Saudade” because you are not here anymore.

Language: Ojibwe

“Mino-bimaadiziwin” (or Mino-pimatisiwin) means “the good life.”

For me this means striving to do better and be better each day, not just for the benefit of self, but also for the benefit of everyone we encounter. It involves embracing the Seven Sacred Teachings: Humility, Honesty, Respect, Love, Truth, Courage and Wisdom.