Five Star Gift Ideas

For your granddaughter who has a passion for studying and deciphering ancient languages, there are several gift options that can both nurture her interest and provide her with opportunities to explore further.

1. Linguistics Books: Consider gifting her books that delve into the history and complexities of ancient languages. Some popular choices include "The Story of Human Language" by John McWhorter, "Empires of the Word: A Language History of the World" by Nicholas Ostler, and "Languages of the World: An Introduction" by Asya Pereltsvaig.

2. Language Learning Resources: Help your granddaughter expand her linguistic abilities with language learning resources tailored to her interests. Look for courses or software that focus on ancient languages such as Latin, Ancient Greek, or Egyptian hieroglyphs. Online platforms like Duolingo and Memrise offer language courses in various ancient languages that she can access at her convenience.

3. Cryptography and Codebreaking: Since deciphering ancient languages often involves tackling codes and scripts, consider gifting her puzzles or books on cryptography. This will not only engage her in deciphering new scripts but also stimulate her problem-solving skills. "The Code Book" by Simon Singh and the "Cryptanalysis Puzzle Book" by Helen Fouche Gaines are great choices.

4. Historical Fiction Novels: Give her the opportunity to experience ancient civilizations through captivating stories. Look for historical fiction novels set in ancient times with a focus on languages and deciphering such as "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco, "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown, or "The Egyptologist" by Arthur Phillips.

5. Museum or Archaeological Excursion: Take your granddaughter on a memorable trip to a museum or archaeological site that showcases ancient languages and artifacts. Visiting places like the British Museum in London or the Egyptian Museum in Cairo can provide her with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the languages she studies.

6. Personalized Stationery or Textbooks: Encourage her passion by gifting her personalized stationery or textbooks. Consider getting her a notebook or a journal with her name or initials on the cover, where she can document her language studies or notes. Custom-made textbooks with specialized exercises or translations can also enhance her learning experience.

7. Language Study Abroad Program: If you are looking for an exceptional and transformative gift, consider sponsoring a language study abroad program for her. Many universities and organizations offer summer or semester-long programs focused specifically on ancient languages. This immersive experience will not only improve her language skills but also expose her to the cultures and history behind these languages.

Remember, the more personalized and thoughtful the gift, the more meaningful it will be to your granddaughter. Tailor your choice to her specific interests and consider her level of proficiency in different languages. By nurturing her passion, you are not only supporting her academic endeavors but also facilitating her personal growth and development in a field she truly loves.

Or you can get her a star map with the date when she was born.