What You Could Gain While Learning A Foreign Language
Whether you’re fourteen and starting a high school that requires a foreign language class, twenty and wanting to feel closer to your roots or seeking out travel and new friends, now is always a good time to learn another language. When I was fifteen I started taking college classes part-time. The first class I gravitated towards was my Spanish 1 class. Growing up I’d watch telenovelas and Maya and Miguel (Spanish/English episodes) before going to elementary school and remembered being so fascinated by the language I was hearing. I watched them with my sister so much, that we’d pick up on words or small phrases and say them to each other, much to my mother’s confusion. I suppose that’s when the language bug hit, however, I didn’t think much about it.
In that Spanish class, I found myself sweating through my social anxiety, fumbling with my accent, and perfecting my rolled r’s. I also found myself with a new sense of humor, culture, and a desire to speak to more people. Flash forwards to graduating high school, moving to Chicago, and entering my undergrad years, I picked up two more languages ASL and Korean. In a melting pot like Chicago, I met so many different people and heard a little bit of everything walking The Loop. It was in a way a culture shock for me but it was the most exciting one yet. When placed in a city like that, I had no choice but to be curious.
While registering for the Spring semester of my Sophomore year, I noticed an ASL class that fit perfectly between my school and work hours, that had a few seats left. One of my close friends and coworkers was majoring in ASL and I loved hearing her talk about the work she did, and learning some signs from her, so I jumped at the opportunity to learn ASL. While taking the course, I interacted with many other learners but also deaf/hard of hearing people and I was overjoyed when I was able to communicate with them or assist with getting around Chicago, even if it was just directions to the nearest restroom or elevator. I also learned so much about the young language and its history that I’d never been exposed to before. I even went to my first K-pop concert and saw an interpreter signing there, my ASL and Korean learning life joining as one.
Now almost in my mid-20s, as I continue my language learning journey, I admit that I have changed greatly from the monolingual speaker I used to be. Yes, I still have social anxiety, I still get very nervous to speak in any new language I learn and I do not consider myself bi or multilingual yet but I do consider myself an experienced language learner. Compared to my teenage self then, I am more concerned about missing the opportunity to get to know someone new because of language barriers now, rather than nervous to speak to anyone at all, we call that growth! (😅)
While learning languages I have received so much knowledge about life outside of my house, family, culture, and country. I have tried new food and flavors. I’ve danced to new voices, styles of music, and various stories. I’ve gotten to be curious and heartbroken over politics and hardships other countries and citizens experience. I’ve watched 10,000+ hours of foreign movies, dramas, and variety shows. Most importantly, I’ve diversified my circle. Why is that important to me? It’s important because I hope I am never in a room with all like-minded people, people who’ve all had the same experiences, there is no growth, no new perspective in a room like that, it’s comfortable but I’ll never get out of my shell that way.
In short, I feel more confident in my ability to interact with and assist others. One of my top love languages is acts of service, I love helping others. I have always wanted to travel and knowing that I can meet new friends and enrich my life through various ways of communication brings me joy. As we all know, we are never done learning, if there’s one thing I am glad to always be learning it is languages.
As always, I hope you go out and you seek your hearts’ desires. If you begin your language learning journey, please feel free to tell me all about it. From one language learner to another, I’d love to support you!
Until next time, 다음에 또 봐요. ♡