This fun and educational exhibit explores the fascinating world of onomatopoeia—words that imitate the sounds they describe. From “meow” to “woof” and “cock-a-doodle-doo,” onomatopoeic words bring animal sounds to life. But did you know that different cultures have different words for the same animal sounds? In Germany, a rooster goes “kikeriki,” while in Spain, he says “quiquiriquí.”
Designed for visitors of all ages, this exhibit offers a hands-on experience for preschoolers and anyone curious about how language shapes the way we hear the world. Explore how animals sound in various languages, discover the origins of these unique words, and even test your skills by matching animal sounds to the right words.
Whether you’re a language lover, a curious child, or someone fascinated by the playful side of language, What Does the Fox Say? Exploring International Onomatopoeias invites you to listen, learn, and have fun exploring the sounds of the world around us.
"What Does the Fox Say?" was created in partnership with the Benton County Historical Society, the Heritage Museum, and Independence, Oregon artist, Torin Widhammer.
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