Valentine’s Day and Language – “Love Words” and “Love Expressions”

Valentine’s Day ESL Activity - Vocabulary Lesson

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“Love Words” and “Love Expressions”

Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14 th. In honor of the day, gifts, in the form of jewelry, candies and flowers are often exchanged. Lovers trade gifts with each other, as do family members and friends. St. Valentine is the holiday’s inspiration. St. Valentine and the day which honors him, is somewhat shrouded in mystery. However, according to historians, the holiday is believed to include both Roman and Christian traditions.

Valentine’s Day is a special day for many in the West (and in other parts of the world). It is a day set aside for individuals to express their love and admiration for those closest to them. Boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives, in addition to exchanging gifts as mentioned above, they go out on dates. Dinner dates and movies are extremely popular. One of the most significant aspects of Valentines Day is the expression of love, whether verbally, written or via a Valentine’s card. Below, we have listed some of the most commonly “love words” and phrases expressed on Valentine’s Day.

“I love you”: This declaration is often made to a lover (boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse), to ones children or to a close friend on Valentine’s Day. “I love you” is obviously a phrase that can be spoken anytime of the year. However, it is especially meaningful during Valentine’s Day. A person’s boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or husband will definitely expect to hear “I love you” on Valentine’s Day.

“You’re special”: Valentine’s Day is all about making loved ones feel special. This can be accomplished by spending time with them, purchasing a gift or going on date. All of these things are ways to show how special you feel someone is. Telling a person “You’re special,” will go a long way on Valentine’s Day, especially when combined with action such as dates, time spent together, etc., and gifts.

“Will you be my Valentine?”: The phrase “Will you be my Valentine” is a favorite and in true spirit of the holiday. People love to be asked to be someone’s Valentine. It makes them feel special. This phrase can be found printed on candies and in Valentine’s cards. This is often a cute phrase used on children’s valentine’s cards, such as those exchanged in school. This phrase on a card exchanged by school children does not imply a relationship of any sort, it is simply a cute way to allow children to participate in the special holiday innocently.

Valentine’s Day is a very special holiday for many on the Western Hemisphere, specifically in the United States. It is a day designated for the expression of love. Generally, gifts are exchanged and people set aside time to spend together. Verbal expressions of love are often shared. Some of the most popular are “I love you.” “Will you be my Valentine?” and “You’re special.”

Review

• What are the “love words” used on Valentine’s Day?
• On what date is Valentine’s Day?
• Can you think of any more “love words” in addition to the ones above?

Culture

• Is Valentine’s Day celebrated in your culture / country? Is it called the same thing? If not, what is it called? What is the same and what is different? How do you celebrate the holiday in your country / culture?
• What would you like to receive as a Valentine’s Day gift?

Activity:

• You can make a Valentine’s card using these “love words”.
• Plan a Valentine’s Day party (children) or Valentine’s Day date for adults.

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