Why do you learn a language?
I believe that there are different reasons behind this question. People are so unique that each one of them is one of a kind, so as their interests.
My language learning journey started of a bit unexpected. English is one of the subjects that are compulsary for all Thai schools since an elementary level. We have been taught for more than 10 years from an elementary school to a high school. But still, many of us have a problem understanding and communicating in English. I was one of them back then.
One day, at my seventeen, I applied for an English grammar course at a tutorial school. The course was claimed to provide an ultimate foundation of grammar one needs to know for the rest of their lives. You won't have to learn the same grammar rules all over again like in schools, they said. Pretty exaggerated, wasn't it? But they got me.
In fact, it did help me build a solid foundation of grammar for day-to-day conversations, various topic discussions and essay writing. However, it didn't cover more advanced or complex level.
Here come my turning point..
This 30 days course was like connecting the dots in my 10-year database. Upon completion, I was able to think and say something in English without having to translate from Thai. It's like cutting the thinking time in half and that's how it should have been. I learned to understand why native speakers say it like that, how they process or construct sentences and new things that may not exist in my language. I love learning grammar since then because I learned by heart not by ears. It suits my reasonable personality. I prefer reasoning to memorising.
Then I learned pronunciation by absorbing. I watched American series, read news out loud and talked to myself from time to time. I couldn't understand the news at first when I read it out loud. With time, I got used to it and could understand the content while reading it. I made mistakes. I corrected myself next time. I enjoyed watching YouTube about accent differences between American, British, Australian, and etc.
I found myself using English everyday without feeling like studying. My biggest why of learning English is neither to connect to people around the world nor for business/ academic purposes, these are extra benefits. It is simply because I just love the English pronunciation. It's light. It's beautiful. It's pleasing to hear. It gives a totally different feel compared to my first language.
I learn Korean because I discovered so many talented artists and wonderful music such as Gaho, Def., J_ust, Nu.D and countless more. I also visited the country twice. Seoul's city vibe just fits my personality. I wonder how it would be if next time I visit Korea, I can speak the language. I also plan to learn Spanish, Russian and German for a travelling purpose.
Most importantly, learning language opens up my world.
Speaking different languages brings out different personalities in me.
I am more stright-forward when I speak English.
I am funnier when I speak Thai.
I am more polite when I speak Korean.
It couldn't be more interesting.
How about you?
Why do you learn a language?
How did you realise that you fell in love with a language learning?
What were difficulties of learning your target language at first and what did you love along the way?
How does learning a language shape you?
What is your ultimate goal of learning a language?
___________
The more I learn about languages, the more I learn about myself.
___________
#flynnonJournaly
#flynnatory
24/05/22
10.49 p.m.
Great job!
As for my difficulties, I find it hard to continue making progress when I am already at an intermediate/high level. It can be frustrating when I'm speaking and I make small mistakes or struggle to remember a word, and the more advanced you become with a language the harder it is to make noticeable progress.
On the plus side, I think once you are able to express yourself well and understand what others are saying to you, that is already an amazing accomplishment. We don't need to be perfect. :)
This is a good exploration and thing to think about. My Hungarian teacher told me the day before yesterday to stop talking in English about things off the topic, and to pay attention to the Hungarian lesson. Why? I asked. “Because it is important.” He said. “But it is not important,” I said, “so WHY?” “It IS important.” “No. It is not. So WHY?” I said again. So then he answered, “because you like learning Hungarian,” he said. And that was the answer.
@Vince Thank you so much for your corrections! I can totally relate to what you said. I think I should challenge myself with unfamiliar topics sometimes TT. I've been in intermediate level for so long but I still enjoy learning anyways. It's just a different method. I don't take classes anymore. I learn and re-learn minor things almost everyday. If the progress is not knowing more words maybe it's about getting more natural and having fun with the language. :D
@Nemvagok Wow, couldn't be any better answer! Yes, I like it. I do it. It is difficult? Still, I like it. I do it. :)