This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Aberdeen chapter.
Being multilingual has always been considered an advantage. I agree. But sometimes there are moments that occur which you would like to avoid, yet it’s almost impossible because you’re multilingual. So here are the Top 5 struggles of being a multilingual:
- You always have to change the language settings because you switch from one language to another. For example, I use four languages on a regular basis. I use different means of communication such as email, Facebook or text messages. Even when I write an essay, an application letter or a story, I have to go the spelling and grammar check every time I use a different language. But the most annoying part for me at the moment is when I write messages on Facebook. It is set to English but I use different languages. Facebook always corrects me when I use for instance Luxembourgish instead of English. So many words are automatically changed. Then I have to go back and correct them or I end up sending messages with lots of spelling mistakes.
- You code-switch, It’s not unusual that I’m speaking English to someone, but when I see a friend, I might talk to her in Luxembourgish. This can be considered as rude and impolite as the person who’s currently overhearing the conversation doesn’t understand a word.
- You’re not perfect in all languages. Despite the fact that I am fluent in several languages, it does not mean that I don’t make any mistakes. You do and when you realize it, it can be a bit painful because you did after all have a very intense language and literature program at school.
- Getting stuck during a conversation. Sometimes certain words don’t exist in other languages and they wouldn’t make any sense when directly translated. You’re looking for a word, but you end up just being speechless at the end.
- If you don’t live in a multilingual country, you have to keep up with your language skills and use them all the time. Otherwise, you will be less proficient. Even just reading a magazine or watching a movie in a foreign language can boost your comprehension and oral skills. This will help you to not neglect your other languages.
Nevertheless, I am so grateful and consider myself lucky that I had the opportunity to learn so many languages and explore different cultures and literature traditions.