The other day I introduced myself to a second grade elementary class.  I asked them where I was from and they guessed a few countries.  Then I said “I’m from….” and posted a large map on the chalkboard.  When I turned around I finished my sentence: “…America!”  and a boy in the front row’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Nihongo jouzu!” he exclaimed.  (That means ‘You speak good Japanese!’)   The teacher and I had a good giggle.

(“America” is a cognate but apparently he didn’t know that. ;p)