avatarSuzan Dalia

Summary

The article discusses the enriching experience of learning multiple languages, emphasizing the personal growth, cultural connections, and the importance of communication over formal education.

Abstract

The article titled "The Beauty of Languages" delves into the multifaceted benefits of multilingualism, highlighting how learning additional languages beyond one's native tongue can enhance personal development. It acknowledges the commonality of English and Spanish as second languages and touches on the concept of multilingualism as the ability to speak more than one language. The author shares a personal journey of overcoming initial disinterest in language learning to appreciating its value in connecting with diverse cultures and overcoming language barriers. The transformative power of language learning is described as unlocking different facets of one's personality and fostering a deeper understanding of others. The article criticizes traditional educational methods that prioritize reading and writing over verbal communication, advocating instead for immersive learning experiences such as conversing with native speakers and using technology to practice languages. The author encourages learners to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and suggests practical methods for language acquisition, including language exchange apps and cultural immersion. The article concludes with a call to action for readers to step out of their comfort zones and explore the joy of language learning, potentially leading to new friendships and perspectives.

Opinions

  • The author believes that learning a new language is a rewarding experience that goes beyond practical utility, touching the souls of others.
  • Multilingualism is seen as a path to developing a form of multi-personality, where one's demeanor and tone of voice can shift when speaking different languages.
  • The author expresses that the conventional schooling system often fails at teaching languages effectively due to an overemphasis on reading and writing instead of speaking.
  • Personal motivation and interest are considered crucial for successful language learning, more so than formal education.
  • The article suggests that language barriers can be broken down through dedicated learning and practice, leading to meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds.
  • Engaging with native speakers and using language exchange platforms is recommended as a cost-effective way to improve language skills and gain cultural insights.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of not being deterred by mistakes, viewing them as valuable learning opportunities.
  • A personal anecdote is shared about the author's significantly faster progress in learning Spanish through immersive methods compared to a year of formal French education.
  • The article promotes the idea of language learning as a hobby that can be both enjoyable and enlightening, suggesting that it's never too late to start.

The Beauty of Languages

The average person speaks up to 3 languages in their lives including their own 1st, 2nd, and 3rd language. They have an alternative name called L1, L2, and L3.

It’s a common fact that English and Spanish are the second languages for most people. In certain countries, the English language can become the 3rd language

The second language is called multilingualism. Multilingualism means you can speak over 1 language. The third language can be the language of their ethnic origins or a foreign language they’re passionate to learn about.

Growing up I used to think that speaking 2 languages were enough for me. It didn’t meet me with by the interest in learning other languages when I was younger. Later on, I notice the limited language skills means I would cross the language barrier with other foreign people. I have been told about learning a new language is useless because I’ll never have the opportunity to speak and use it on a daily basis. The truth is you should listen to yourself, not others. People can have different opinions, but it’s up to you if you want to study your passion.

Learning a new language kills the language barrier which we’re all crossing by in our lives. It’s a reward to connect with other fellow human beings. You touch their souls when you speak their mother tongue. No doubt about that.

Speaking a language transforms you into another personality. You become a whole new person. As crazy as it sounds when you’re a polyglot and speak over 3 languages you start to have some form of multi-personalities. We start to become a different person when we speak a way we usually don’t speak in our native language. Our voice tone and vibration change when we switch to a new language.

I heard from foreign people about how they feel happy knowing a person outside their country is studying their language. It warms their hearts to know a person is enthusiastic to understand their native language.

Learning a language can be tricky at first for us all, as it’s like we enter a new, strange world we know nothing about. We have to learn everything from the beginning. It’s like going back to school again. Somehow, we all had to start somewhere.

The more we learn and understand a language, the more fun the learning process becomes, the more we practice a language, the easier it gets. Yes, they are a great extra bonus in learning a language, but the best way to learn a language is to

The school failed in teaching me the French language. Why is that? Because I was taught to read and write more than speaking the language itself.

Yes, they are a great extra bonus in learning a language, but the best way to learn a language is to communicate. Communication is a great tool. Speak with native speakers. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and mispronunciations, because that’s how you improve and cultivate your learning skills. It’s okay to make mistakes. They are our teachers.

In school, I had no motivation for learning French. What I wanted to learn had no longer interest in me. I got low grades in French. I had the subjects for 1 year and still couldn’t keep a conversation. The school didn’t offer creative methods such as placing Post-it notes to use as translation, speaking with native speakers, setting your phone to the desired language, and the list goes on.

I am currently learning Spanish plus a couple of other languages. I started learning Spanish 2 weeks ago and my Spanish improved remarkably in 2 weeks than I have in 1 year of French.

To me, it’s a hobby now. I still have trouble pronouncing the rolling R, but I won’t let that stop me from learning the language. I am having fun with learning.

If you can’t afford to travel around the world, practice the target language and communicate with native speakers through online language exchange apps. They can help you improve your skills and at the same time tell you about their culture, tradition, country, and so on. It is a way for you to see the world from a different perspective. You will meet many amazing people online and develop a friendship with them. They can offer you to stay at their place if you both connect well. Be careful they’re not imposters and you are actually talking to a real, authentic person. Don’t do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Get off your safe zone and learn a new language. You will become amazed at how fun and evolving it is to learn a language.

If you are looking for language partners to improve your foreign language skills you can find it on swaplanguage.com.

Originally published at https://www.mindfullfillmentality.com.

Language
Language Learning
Learning
Education
Polyglot
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