Long story short- I started French in middle school (at age 12) as my language elective, took AP French in high school, and became truly passionate about French in college after taking my first class there. I studied abroad in France twice, went to graduate school for a Master’s in Literary Translation (French into English), and worked as a French translator for a short time. … Continue reading Life update with the French language
I regularly read books in French, and I enjoy being able to do an activity that I like in my native language, in my target language as well. But, sometimes I don’t have the time or the money/access. French novels do take me a little longer to finish reading- sometimes I don’t get as sucked in to the writing or the storyline as much, but … Continue reading Reading en français
I’ve been independently studying (whether languages, or different topics I’ve been into) for the past 7-10 years! Depends on what you count…while I was in school, obviously I had more in-classroom support, due dates and deadlines to keep me accountable, and certain class-provided resources which helped with my self-studies on the side. After I graduated from my Master’s program in 2014, I was mainly studying … Continue reading Study tips for the self-studier
When I first start learning a language, I often feel like a baby. I remember when I first studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, and I was playing at the pool with my French friend’s 7-year-old daughter. I could interact with her just fine! My French went through different phases- having started learning it in middle school classes and learning as a teen, my learning process was … Continue reading Growing your baby language skills to the adult comedian you are in real life
Considering the state of the world, I’m not sure when I’ll travel internationally again. Of course I think I will eventually travel again, but right now it doesn’t feel safe and I think it would be insensitive for me to be a tourist in another country. Especially if I were vaccinated, and that country was still releasing vaccines to the locals. In the past, I … Continue reading If I’m not sure when I’ll travel abroad again, why do I learn languages?
The Reykjavik Grapevine is a great online & physical newspaper about life in Reykjavik! Mainly in English (I’d like to read more in Icelandic, but I’m not at the level of reading the newspaper yet haha), but there is lots of cultural & current events information to read about. They have also been reporting on the recent volcano that has erupted & fissured in the … Continue reading Language Links 3
People often ask me if I’m essentially giving myself homework when I study languages…yes and no. They say it like it’s a bad thing- and I was one of the kids that enjoyed school and usually liked doing my homework. So yes, you do have to study and put in the work to learn a language. But also no, since you can make your studying … Continue reading Wait, if you learn languages for fun, does this mean you give yourself homework?
March 2021 seemed long while I was working through the month (probably because February was nice and short), but now that it’s over it seems like it flew by! Here’s what I’ve been up to with my language learning for the month. In general: I’ve really been cranking through my youtube queue, so I’m grateful that I made it a point to take advantage of … Continue reading Month in Review- March 2021
You’re able to see more clearly from their point of view. You’re able to meet them in the middle. You actually learn the cultural significance of certain things, without having to go through the lens of translation. I’m a big proponent of translation- and that’s a discussion for another day- but when you have the option, learning at least the basics of a language for … Continue reading To speak someone else’s native language, is like walking a mile in someone else’s shoes…
Japanese has also been on my languages-to-learn wishlist! I don’t have as much of a story with it as I do with German, but here goes. I always thought it was a cool language as a kid- Japan and Tokyo seemed like exotic, faraway places. Sushi wasn’t particularly popular when I was growing up, and my family weren’t adventurous eaters, so I wasn’t exposed to … Continue reading がんばります!
