The origin and beauty of hearing and saying "thank you"

The expression that is "Thank You" is a polite manifestation of gratitude for something, somewhere, somehow, and someone given, offered or done. It is a kind of gesture that other languages would mean, we are indebted and obliged to reciprocate with paybacks and collateral acts of attention and appreciation.

Various sources of knowledge and degrees of experience would inform us of different ways or languages that express appreciation and gratitude by uttering "Thank You". The word "thank" originated from the Latin word "tongere" which connotes "gracias" in Spanish and "gracie" in Italian. In English, the words "thank you" stems from the phrase "to think" or to practically remember that someone or something had done something good for the welfare and benefit of the others.

Other countries evolved their different dialects of speaking "thank you". I do not know of many languages but some of the famous ones are like for example, "kamsahamida" in Korean, "xiexie in Chinese, "arigato" in Japanese, and "dhanyavaadaha in Hindu (India).

It was presumably recorded that the Chinese and Egyptian cultures were the first to start writing some symbols to resemble or represent "thank you" through good luck notes on papyrus paper. It was in the 12th century.

For us Filipinos, we say "Salamat" from the Arabic influence "Salaam" which is deeply rooted in peace. Or "Salama" to mean good health and safety, and very timely during these days of COVID.

On the other hand, we cannot muddle with the name of the ruler Magat Salamat of Tondo, Manila who was allegedly a rebel recruiter who got killed by the authorities. It is mixed up with bad fortune because "magat" when read backward is "tagam" in Cebuano.

We feel good if we can hear people saying thank you and we mostly are elated when they are expressing it with a smile. However, we become disillusioned when individuals don't bother at all, with the assumption and presumption that they have the rights and power anyway.

Nowadays, we can often observe some public servants who transform themselves to become kings and bosses when holding on to their respective offices after election. It is very much unfortunate for the voters, if these officials cannot fulfill their rosy promises, but instead enrich themselves through corruption and secret deals.

This time, these politicos cannot expect a thank you from us and as a consequent gesture we show our strength by not voting for them and their comrades again when their terms end. Hopefully too, we should learn the lessons on vote buying which carries with it the ill effects of utang na loob that effect years of sufferings that ensue thereafter.

And lastly, with the onset of social media, we exhibit in multiforms of "thank you" to well-wishers who extend their comments, greetings, and prayers through our happy and beautiful posts. Through their likes, dislikes, hates, cares, and mostly loves, the social and personal relationships strengthened and the aura of compassion, friendship, and camaraderie persevered. Banning libelous remarks, they are indeed the bringers of the original thank you that connotes the real elements of peace, love, care, and appreciation.

Daghang Salamat.

Lito Gador Tampus

Moalboal, Cebu