Do you remember this episode of Dexter’s Laboratory? Where the girls fawned over Dexter because he knew “the language of love.” Well, I have always been one of those girls who loved languages. However, not only did I enjoy hearing other people speak it, I wanted to learn as many as I possibly could. Now that I apply to interviews, people often marvel at the languages I learned to read, write and speak in. It has become such a big part of me, I don’t think about it anymore. There are a few ups and downs when learning a language that I think most people can relate to as well!
Wanting To Practice All The Time
When I first start learning a language, I want to show off what Iknow. I practice to sound as authentic as possible and I get giddy when I recognize a word in a commercial. I’m sure that my friends are tired of me making analogies to idiom’s in the other language and they are definitely tired of me translating random words without being asked! However, like finding a new partner, finding a new language to learn has a honey moon phase.
…Except when you should
I know whenever I speak with a native speaker in the language I’m learning, I get tongue tied. I forget all my vocabulary and grammar becomes a thing of the past. I’ve learned that it takes two to three years to truly feel comfortable speaking another language with those who have mastered it, but even then I still get nervous.
Flashcards
I hate studying vocabulary but I love expanding my knowledge. Truly a love-hate relationship.
Translating For Friends/Incorrect Subtitles
When friends do ask me to translate, I always feel a bit tense. Like what if I don’t do it justice or if I don’t know a word, will I seem like a fraud? Incorrect subtitles also go hand in hand with these moments. Have you ever heard someone say: “These subtitles just don’t convey the true meaning.” Some of you have even said it. From someone on both sides of this kind of conversation, just keep that opinion to youself.
Going To The Country
If you think speaking to native speakers in your area is scary, wait until you go to the country of native speakers. I worry that no one will understand me and I will waste away in a country because I lacked the linguistic abilities to save myself. Spoiler alet: This didn’t happen. Additional Spoiler alert: It is probably the best way to learn the language and boost your confidence
To all my language learners, I know the struggles but just keep pushing through! Learning a language is a great way to challenege yourself and to connect with people in different. Keep being awesome!