Every grown adult should learn a second language

[smittenbyu]

For the fun of it, I decided to take up Spanish classes. I find myself cheating a bit since I have some basic understanding of Italian & French (I lived in Italy and took Spanish in Middle & High School) - mind you, I haven't actually spoken either of those languages at length since I left Italy and finished high school, respectively. But it's helped to memorialize Latin word roots in my head.  

It's only been 3 classes - once a week and it's not necessarily a language I need to survive - I am there to learn something new. To converse with my colleagues who are predominantly from Central & South America, for my interest. So, every time I am in that class - I hear in my head the phrases that get thrown to the immigrants, "learn English!" And my heart goes out to them. 

If it were only that easy. I spent half hour doing very basic Spanish homework. I spend two hours in a classroom trying to think in a completely different language. And I am left exhausted. 

I of course, knew it wouldn't be easy. I can easily switch between Telugu & English - not exhausting at all - I grew up with it. I am able to now switch up English-Telugu-Hindi. But taking Spanish is really challenging. Clearly as adults it's much harder!! yeeks. 

But I think to sharpen one's mind, we must pick a new language in adulthood. It's a brain workout, indeed! And as a bonus it teaches some empathy! 

Comments

[low_delta]

I agree. I had three semesters of Italian, in my mid-twenties. I never learned it well enough to hold a conversation, but I miss it. I recently decided i want to learn Spanish, but I'm not sure how I can. My brain isn't set up for it. I realized I learn in a very academic sense. I understand what the words mean, but I kinda have to think about it. I never really absorb them.

[smittenbyu]

yes!! Same here - I am going to these Spanish classes and feel if I don't actually immerse myself in the language, it will be rather pointless! :( Language is only a language if it's used to communicate! :)

I am hoping the Guatemala trip will help kick start for me. I do have multiple calls a week with colleagues who are native Spanish speakers - they would love to know i am learning Spanish. But I know, it will be hard to ever hold professional work-related conversations! Got to try!!

[echomyst]

I agree -- everyone should learn at least two languages.

J says he's "not good at languages" so knows only English, but I believe it's the way foreign languages are taught in many N. American schools. When I first immigrated to Canada, I got Cs and Ds in French. Then in grade 5 I enrolled in French Immersion and jumped to straight As.

[smittenbyu]

I think the issue is often we don't immerse ourselves in the language we are learning, it makes it rather pointless. I always remember picking up 4-5 languages (conversational) growing up - but that's because we used to interact in those languages. Sure, D hears several languages around her wherever she goes - but she never has to interact in them.

I am hoping Spanish will be good for her because she does hear it all around her and will have a chance of practicing/using it. They promise that by the time she is done with 5th grade, she can hold a conversation. Her best friend is in Spanish immersion class and he can hold a conversation with Spanish speakers rather well. Immersion is the way to go for anyone!

I would see that when I worked in Malaysia, where 90% of my colleagues went to Chinese medium schools and learnt English later in their schooling years - their English though is/will be far better than my Spanish will ever be - just because they get to practice their English for work, etc. sigh.

But I am taking it to just challenge myself. And overcome my shyness/timidness of speaking it is step #1. Should talk to our building maintenance staff - they'd be awesome!!

[echomyst]

Yeah, immersion / communication in the target language(s) are key.

¿Cómo estás hoy? :D

[voyageofdreams.livejournal.com]

I enrolled in French lessons (since my girls take Saturday French School), but I withdrew just before classes started when I realised we are likely looking at moving internationally soon and I didn’t want to be one more in the family that will pay a full year of classes only to have to pull out mid school year.

[foliedemars]

Hi! I'm new here and just added you. :) I'm planning to pursue French and Spanish next year. I'm making it my 2019 goal to be at least bilingual!

[smittenbyu]

Hola! Welcome! Apologies it took so long to reply and add you back.

[foliedemars]

No problem, thanks!

[belleweather.livejournal.com]

It's really, really humbling, isn't it?

But hey! At least there are resources available for Spanish... Telugu was horrific to try to pick up as a second language learner. The dictionary they gave us was from 1878, and great if you wanted to talk about sheep dip and fertilizer. Anything more modern, you were out of luck.

[smittenbyu]

ha hahahah... a few years ago, I was inspired to learn reading and writing Telugu - I only learnt alphabets from my grandpa over one summer. I couldn't find much at all!! There's a dictionary?? Of course, a lot of the resources are online now. oooof! Learning a language you are not immersed in is definitely hard and one with a totally different script!! At least I hear Spanish and I can watch TV! But hey if you go hang out in Fairfax next time you are here you will be surrounded by folks from Andhra Pradesh! lol.. oh and Telangana. I have to keep remembering I am from Telangana now! sigh. hahahha...