Learning is exhilarating. Learning is rewarding. Learning is the best path to discovering who we are. We do not realize this until much later in life and often when we are conveniently out of school and have placed ourselves inconveniently in a rat race for survival but thanks to Google and technology, we can learn anywhere, anytime and on any subject under the sun to our heart’s content.
Learning is at the foundation of cultivating zen habits and discovering our best self in the process. We learn, we change. We learn, we grow. We learn, we realize our mistakes. We learn, we appreciate. We learn, we can teach others. We learn, we do things better. We learn, we open to new experiences. We learn and only then do we live fully.
And we don’t learn, we age. We don’t learn, we slow down. We don’t learn, we fester. We don’t learn, we forget. We don’t learn, we lose excitement for life. We don’t learn, we lose purpose for living. So never, ever let the wheels of learning stop from turning.
Speaking of learning brings me to the topic for today where I want to touch on two topics: First, on why we should bother to learn new languages and second, determining which language is right for us by answering 10 smart questions.
Why Learn a New Language?
Learning new languages is one of the best ways to exercise your mind and to sharpen your listening and learning abilities. It wakes up your vocal chords and enhances your auditory reception. It arouses your curiosity and keeps you alert and focused. Learning to read, write, speak and understand a new language is a gift you can keep giving yourself, a gift which will always open doors with new opportunities and always enhance your social network and introduce you to a new world of possibilities and people.
Learning a language comes down to ease of assimilation. First you learn the small bits, the seeds of foundation, then your mind slowly starts to put the bits into bytes – an 8-bit chunk – and soon those bytes grow into fields of sensible data swimming in your head, translating for you back to your mother tongue and flowing out of your mouth in harmony. You will be in awe during the first few moments when sounds and words click and phrases begin to form. Speaking a new language is as much joy as understanding it when spoken, if not more. For me, the latter is always doubly joyful.
When you learn a new language, you do not stop with the daily expressions and the survival phrases. You learn to go beyond your own bubble of existence and invite in new cultures, new countries, and new people. You step out of your comfort zone and into a foreign land, virtually or literally depending on your luck, and soon, it will be like a second home because language mastery is the greatest way to break barriers and connect with other people on levels well below the surface.
10 Smart Questions on Which Language is Right for you
Perhaps, or rather, most certainly, you are now convinced and compelled to learn a new language! The hardest part is over. Congratulations!
The next decision is to know which language to learn. You may have a special language in mind, a language you have always wanted to learn, maybe a long lost one as a mother tongue, or another one which has a special meaning for you. If you are like me, you cannot count all the languages you wish to learn with one hand!
In either case, a self-examination of the right language is key! Below, I put together these 10 smart questions to ask ourselves during a self-imposed brainstorming session with my husband to see if we can pick up a new language together. I encourage you to answer these questions to guide you into choosing a language that is right for you. Depending on your situation, you can see whether the one you already love is indeed right for you or you find out more about which if any other you should be learning. The goal is to select a language that would best fit into your lifestyle and your personality.
So imagine the language of your choice and see if you answer favorably to these questions:
1. Do you love the language, the way it sounds to your ears and feels on your tongue? Does the alphabet, the sound, the enunciation and cadence of the language thrill and excite you?
2. Do you love the people associated with it, the culture, the country, the origin of this language? Does it interest you to know the nuances and eccentricities of that culture and country?
3. Can you easily make the sounds with your nasal passages and your vocal chords?
4. Would this language be useful or beneficial in any way in your current or future desirable travels? Do you wish to explore the country of its origin?
5. Do you possess the joy of learning, speaking, reading, understanding signs and menus and words from a movie or a dialogue in this language?
6. Does this language enhance your professional career in any way or open doors with new opportunities in your career path?
7. Does this language work your mind and require you to stay focused to learn? In other words, is it different enough from your current Mother Tongue to sufficiently challenge you?
8. Would you be able to use this language as a way to spend time with others in your circle or your community? Do you have friends who can speak it with you?
9. Would this language open up possibilities that are of interest to you – say, living in a country of your choice, joining communities from this country, or joining a workplace where you can fully use and grow into the language?
10. Can you picture yourself speaking this language, having conversations in it, watching a movie in it, listening to music in it, reading a book or a website or even thinking and dreaming in it?
Ideally, you want to answer favorably to all questions. Realistically, the more you answer favorably, the more practical it would be for you to learn that particular language and you shall form a stronger affinity with your particular choice.
To my surprise, Japanese which has been for years my second most desirable language of choice, did not make the cut here. I realized after answering these questions that it would be too impractical for me to seriously pursue it on my own at this stage of life. Therefore, I am focusing on improving my French and Farsi with a little Italian to spice things up.
Learning a language is not isolated in itself. To truly embrace a new language, you must think holistically and that is why these questions are important to think through before committing.
Whatever you decide, refuse to remain a monolingual for life!
“To have another language is to possess a second soul.”
Charlemagne
A Penny, A Euro or a Yen for Your Thoughts
If I could, I would study languages all day. I would live in my favorite countries and immerse until the magic of assimilation becomes second nature in every tongue. What about you? Do you crave to know other languages and the meaning of conversations when people switch to speaking their own tongue? Are there reasons why you believe knowing only one language, perhaps English, is sufficient to living fully and completely? And what favorite languages do you secretly hold in your heart? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
This is the second post in a Language Series topic. The purpose of this series is to offer you a new perspective and compelling reasons to learn new languages by sharing my stories and the best practices in my experience.
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What a great series of questions! I think it’s important to think of the benefits of learning another language. There is this misconception that another language is just using different words to reflect the same meaning, almost like a code. This is absolutely not the case! Language is a reflection of culture, beliefs, and values. I like questions 2, 4, 8 and 9 the best! Learning Spanish has opened up a million amazing experiences for me. It has enhanced my traveling abroad experiences, meeting a girl that I ended up dating for a year, and friends that I still keep in touch with not just in other countries, but in my own city in Chicago. I can go on and on about the benefits of learning a language. It has enhanced my life so immensely, it would take a book to describe. Already I’m onto my third language (French) and I have already been able to have fun connecting with Couchsurfers from France (and Quebec) staying with me, even with my limited French. Great post Farnoosh! And good luck with French!
Hi Mark, you are a role model for incorporating language into your life. Thank you for sharing such fantastic ways that language fulfills your life! Third language is great – And French a lovely choice. English was my 3rd or 4th and it still leaves room for more as we go through life. I am very excited to meet another language lover. Keep it up and go and inspire others. Thanks for sharing and for your comment!
I’m laughing aloud, because nothing on your list applies to any language I’ve learned, and everything you say is true — and I just broke down and bought a Korean language text, !@#$.
My dear Rebekah, there is always that whim, that desire, that voice in your head that says, damn all reason, I want to learn this – and I forgot to add the clause that as long as your heart desires it, really, practicality will just have to wait – it might be harder to incorporate it in your life than say a language that lent itself to more – which is how I came up with those questions – but what am I saying? We are talking about you, and I just hope to learn a few words of Korean from toi sometime!
!
Chérie, thank you for your reply. You didn’t forget a thing in your excellent list; I just have a hilarious string of reasons for the languages I’ve learned to read
Two of them were: “Because they made me.” Now I’m laughing again. –Enjoyed your post, as always, and am about to go review a couple of your yoga videos. Cheers!
Rebekah, our own reasons are the *best*!
And would you like a new yoga video? I have not done one in a long time! I’d do one just for you – what kind of video would you like? I must say, you are the biggest fan of my yoga videos and I am in awe and smiles. Just let me know what you might like to see!!
Hi Farnoosh,
I think one thing that makes your blog stand out from most is your focus on learning more and encouraging all of us to learn more.
I’ve decided recently to get fluent in Spanish again. And 8 out of your 10 guestions made it a yes for me. Then when you state you and your hubs will be learning together…it got me excited enough to invite my hubs to learn with me. He always wants me to share with him how to say something in Spanish but I never thought of inviting him to learn with me. Now I think it will be double the fun. And living in Phoenix there are so many opportunities to practice and learn more. So thanks for the encouragement and inspiration.
Hi Tess, so nice of you to encourage me so. Thank you. I am mad about learning – especially now that I have realized I can learn anything! It does not have to be true to my grad degree from college or my certification from work – no! It can be anything my heart desires. And of course you should invite hubby to learn with you – it is most fun and a great thing to do together. I hope you have heaps of fun together and thank you as always for stopping by!
Farnoosh,
Growing up in an area with much Scandinavian descent, Norwegian was a common language spoken by many. (I learned a little…)
My kids take Spanish in school (because foreign language is required). Interesting side note. We were on vacation, and visiting a museum which had some text written only in Spanish. It was so interesting to watch them (they who, in their youth, don’t fully appreciate this yet) – as they worked on sounding out the words and ended up doing really well. What a great way for them to put their language skills to use! Perhaps they even took a little something away from that…that knowing another language is a wonderful thing.
I took Japanese in college. It was a challenge…(and not for me at the time…).
Hmmm…now…I shall have to think about this. Wonderful thoughts, Farnoosh! And – best to you in your French and Italian languages. In fact…both of those places are on my list of places to visit….(hmmm….)
Lance, a very multi-lingual family! Norwegian must sound like Dutch. Very cool. Spanish is the obvious choice in most places in the US but what’s more important is what your kids are already doing – learning and using their language skills outside of classroom! And now you rank even higher in my book with your Japanese language knowledge
!
So happy to see you here and thank you for sharing your thoughts on one of my favorite topics and please do keep things up in the family with the language business!!!
Farnoosh, Such a brilliant set of guidelines for approaching the acquisition of a new language. It would be really smart for young people to consider all these elements.
Sadly, learning languages does not come naturally to me at all. Both my brain and especially my tongue fail to cooperate in an extreme way. I love the beauty of Kanji characters though. If I were to learn a language it would be Tibetan, which also has a beautiful calligraphy script. Knowing this language would be give me access to the wisdom contained within yet to be translated Tibetan Buddhist texts.
As usual, you hit upon such unique topics on your blog.
Hi Sandra, you know, I have heard that some people have a harder time than others! I had the hardest time of my life in my “chosen” field of electrical engineering but I can pick up languages easier – It’s good to know our own strengths. And it may also depend perhaps on the techniques you were exposed to while learning. We also learn differently – some people are very visual, some are auditory, some are very theoretical, some very practical. No matter, here’s hoping that someday Tibetan will come to you very easily. So happy that you shared your feelings about languages, thank you!
I think I’m going to stick with one language for now. I might add learning another language to my someday list, but for now I’ll watch all my foreign Netflix movies with the subtitles on. I’m hoping that somehow I’ll eventually just start to understand everything while watching those movies.
Eric, thank you for being a bold reader and refusing to learn another language but my husband said to tell you that believe him, he has tried your technique and it won’t work that way
! And believe me, he has watched tons of movies with subtitles but he speaks NO other language, I assure you. Have fun with it and who knows, maybe someday you’ll be drawn to a second language. Either way, thanks for your comment and the smiles you brought!
Farnoosh,
I like these 10 questions to ask before learning a new language. As an Indian, I know a few Indian languages including dead language Sanskrit (like Latin). I used to know broken Spanish now I am out of practice so I am back to square one. My biggest issue once I learn something is, I need constant practicing with someone or more people to keep learning alive.
Zenguy knows many languages like you but I am not as efficient in picking up and retaining knowledge. I like to learn Italian, French and Urdu some day.
Dear Preeti, hi again! I remember you also shared your thoughts on the first language series post. I have been amazed at just how many languages exist in India alone!!!And I love Sanskrit – and never thought of it as a dead language. We all need constant practice, I think you are hardly alone there. And have Zenguy teach you a few words from his massive vocabulary in his other languages. What’s a husband for if he does not share his knowledge?
!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!
Farnoosh,
Yes, India has 12 official languages and many dialects. Sanskrit is no longer spoken much but it is the base of many languages in India.
Yes, Zenguys shares all that he has with me
I think any learning skills needs practicing often to retain it. My Spanish is forgotten except a few words because I do not get a chance to practice it despite being so many Spanish speakers in California!
Although I love watching movies in different languages (with subtitle)! But that does not count as learning a new language.
Preeti, you can learn any language and find anyone in California to converse with you
! Fun fun!
And yes, I love foreign films. I am going back to TIFF to watch nothing but 10 foreign films in 5 days!!!
Farnoosh,
) to learn a language. I do love French and would like to pursue it further. I took a few courses a while back. So I’d love to know how you have been learning French. I read your previous post about your grandfather and that really touched my heart. His memory lives through you. Thanks for the motivation. Would Rosetta Stone be a good starting program to learn or do you recommend something else to start with?
You truly motivate the s@#t out of me (pardon my french
Manal, as long as I motivate you, you can express however you choose – and the poor French get such a bad rep every time we swear here in the US, however did that come about?
!
So on the French, I studied in highschool and college but then took a long break unfortunately – recent years, I had French-speaking friends who came into my life, I started listening with devotion to Coffee Break French (Finished all 80 episodes and some I listened to often), I would talk and email my friends in French, and I read some fun comic books like Adventures of Tin Tin, which is mostly for children, I also listen to French music and watch French films – and STILL, I must say, I need more practice. I have never tried Rosetta Stone, it’s a big investment but do research it before you buy – and someone told me to be sure to buy from a very reliable source, there are some “copies” out there. All the best! And stay with it, ok? Thanks for your comment, Manal!
Hey Farnoosh, thanks so much for your detailed response. I loved Tin Tin (in English) so it should be a good incentive to get into French. When it comes to comics I don’t think age matters much. Coffee Break sounds interesting, I’m going to check it out.
Out of curiosity I checked out how pardon my French came about. It is quite interesting. It seems it goes both ways–the good old English & French rivalry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pardon_my_French
cheers,
I am taking offense on behalf of all my French-speaking friends
! LOL! Just kidding, Manal. Listen, Coffee Break French is a brilliant technique of teaching and it’s free. Throw it on your iPod/iPhone/listening device and just listen when you walk or drive…..you’ll be amazed how much you gain from idle moments in the day!
Hi Farnoosh,
Just came across your website and article on languages. It’s very inspiring and has got me thinking I must learn another language as one of my goals. I’m an English speaker like many others, I speak a bit of my native language Irish and a bit of French which I learnt in school. Havent taken it much further than that though.
Over the years I’ve thought a lot of people how to use more of your mind in order to learn anything better. And here are a few tips for learning new languages:
1. Use pictures to memorise the words – so words like “mafish mushkila” – which means no problem in arabic can be remembered by seeing a fish all “mushed” up. Not sure if I’ve spelt it right though.
2. Remember that the more you learn the easier it is to learn more – if you learn one language the second is easier!
3. I remember reading one time (although I’m not sure how true it is) that there are only about 50 sounds in all the languages in the world – “ah” “uh” “e”, etc, etc. If a child is thought these 50 sounds at a young age they will be able to learn any language a lot more easily. After that its a matter of combing the sounds to make words
4. Whenever you learn new words, etc ALWAYS review within 24 hours of learning, better still start using them in conversation within 24 hours of learning.
I also remember a guy I met telling me that when he learnt “sign” language it opened up a whole new world for him.
One famous Irish singer, Christy Moore sings about langauges when he says “with all of our languages, we can’t communicate” – interesting thought!
Carpe Diem.
Sean M Kelly
Dear Sean, thank you so much for your thorough comment here and all your detailed thoughts on languages. All of this information is new to me even though it makes sense, although I have to say that the 50 total sounds is hard to believe. Sign language is a whole new world, no doubt – and learning can surprise us once it picks up. Many thanks for your thoughts which add greatly to the topic!
Dear Farnoosh, hope you are fine! What an interesting post! I used to go to a French kindergarten (Razi) when I was little but after the revolution it was closed and I always wished I would/could some how some way continue my French!!! A few years ago I took some French class and one amazing thing was the teacher told me that my French accent is like a French!!! Amazing thing is that although one may stop learning one language for some year, the moment (s)he starts it again, it may all come back!!! I have always been inspired by the French language, such a beautiful and classy language!!! I was in Paris this July enjoyed listening to local people speaking that I promised myself to work on my French; therefore, I am definitely planning to take some classes…
Thank you and take care…
Dear Leila, I went to that same Razi school when the École Francaise was in session before the revolution blew up all our dreams. My mom pulled me out and then the school became what it did. Perhaps, just perhaps, we were in the same classroom. I was hardly there for a year. Sigh. Yes and in Paris, I get the same compliments about my accent which sends me to the moon from joy! Plus with Farsi, it’s just easy for us to make the sounds of French – not so for Americans or others so we should take advantage of that. So keep that promise from Paris and check in and I’ll do the same…..Je suis fière de toi!
Thank you for your comment!
This did it! I am learning Italian, and that’s that. I didn’t get a ‘yes’ to all the questions, but that yearning to learn the language, to travel there, and perhaps even live there for a season or two came over me again.
Now, if you become fluent as well, we’ll have Italian Skype sessions
Bella Jean, I am so proud of you. Go for your Italiano with all your heart and I hope that we BOTH end up somewhere in Italy if only for a month, a season, a year…..Knowing the language will only bring you closer to the warm Italian people of this world. Thank you as always for your comment!
Farnoosh,
What an interesting post, and it comes at an appropriate time for me. I’m currently living in Japan, and have one more year to go. I’m at a crossroads in deciding whether to keep pursuing Japanese. I have a basic level proficiency at this point, and have been questioning the usefulness of it in my future. In many ways, I don’t think I will ever use it again after I leave here next year, and yet I decided to continue with my lessons for one important reason- to help me connect more with locals while I am living here the remaining months.
I’m a new follower to your blog. Very interesting reading.
Hi Mary, I am a bit envious of you living in Japan – enjoy it double please for those of us wishing to live there someday
! And welcome to prolific living! I am very happy to have you as a new reader. To be honest, those questions are on the more practical side of life which would to me make learning a language easier. You can see above my friend Rebekah who has no reason other than wanting to learn to go for her Korean! I think you should keep up with your Japanese….even if you did poorly on my quiz 
! Thank you for the message all the way from Nihon 
!
The more the merrier.
I know 4 myself and want to learn Spanish.
I share this passion for languages with you and it’s such an amazing thing to explore and learn a language and feel its rhythm and its expressions and how it came about and its sounds and ……….(ok I can go on and on so I’ll stop).
BTW excellent questions.
Spanish you say? I thought you wanted to learn Farsi!
Languages can be like music, like a song, full of rhythm and cadence. Good luck with the pursuit and don’t give up, Abubakar!
What a great topic and a nice change of pace Farnoosh
For me the language would be Thai.
Right now I only have survival type language skills.
I can see myself one day retiring to Thailand as it is a great central jumping off point for all of the places I want to travel to.
Plus I love the food
Hi Peter, I don’t think I am at all familiar with Thai – the food, oh yes, the language, unfortunately no! – and I have yet to set foot in Thailand but I find your choice very exciting and hope that you pursue it vigilantly! Sounds like a great landing spot to me! Thank you for sharing your language of choice!
Farnoosh, as I read your 10 questions it became a bit clearer why I may have such a difficulty learning a language. I could only answer yes to # 2 & # 4
It’s not that I think having one language is enough, not at all. I have simply not been able to get another language down. Before I went to France I tried to learn basic French. Before I went to Spain I tried to learn basic Spanish – and before Germany tried basic German – I end up being the foolish American with my little translation book in hand verbally stumbling.
Aileen, not knowing a language – even the one of the country one is visiting – does *not* make anyone foolish! I think it’s really sweet that you made an attempt to learn and even master the basics before your travels. I have done something similar but my goal here was more long-term. Perhaps not any language has really resonated with you yet so you were just sampling a few. I am sure you will find one that you’ll be enticed to learn. Thank you so much for responding here!
I always love the perspective and insight that a new language brings.
Some languages do a beautiful job of labeling some concepts that in other languages, the label or term just doesn’t exist. Even though a rose without its name would still smell as sweet, it’s nice to be able to have a handle that everybody can identify with.
HI J.D., you are right – sometimes the expressions do not even translate – and at least rose is a known object available in every culture. When there is no frame of reference for the topic such as a concept that is unique to only that culture or that environment is when we have the hardest time and most breakdown in communications. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Nice article…. questions…
Filtered over to your site from Raam Dev’s and glad I did. I could answer yes to 8 of the questions (1,2,4,5,7,8,9,10) – wish I could say #3 was a yes; Can you easily make the sounds with your nasal passages and your vocal chords? Because that is sort of important, but with practice (if I would stick with it) I might be able to say the words correctly. Thanks again for posting this to give me that extra push in learning Vietnamese.
Hello David and welcome! I enjoy Raam’s stories immensely and I am very happy you stumbled over here! Making the sounds of most Asian languages takes some work but I don’t think you need any more help to encourage you to learn Vietnamese. You seem already convinced that it is something to do and I am thrilled to hear that the post was instrumental in that last push. Come back anytime and thanks for your comment!
It’s very difficult to learn a new language if we are not using it regularly. So I definitely agree that whether we are going to use it, are there friends that we can chat with in that language, are important aspect of studying language. I was horrible in English when I was still in school, since my exercise book was pretty much my only interaction with the language. Having no choice to speak in the more comfortable language also helps a lot. We can’t switch back. Six years I got the lectures in high school, but I was not ready to speak it yet. Then I went to Japan, there I had to speak either in Japanese or English, depended on who I’m talking to. I met Ryan, from Canada there, and we started to date, and my English improved a lot during the first weeks or months, since I was using it every single day, and because I had no choice.
Great post!
Dina, sadly you are very correct. I used to be truly fluent in Turkish when living in Turkey and it has completely deserted me now that I have not spoken to anyone over the years – perhaps I also didn’t want to pursue it. You hit upon the biggest issue about learning and retaining a language – and I am very happy that you are now fluent in English so you can tell us your fabulous travel stories in a language we can all understand – although Japanese is a beauty in itself. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks for saying my English is fluent. Ryan has been kind to me by editing my blog articles before they get posted
It’s great that you are fluent in English and Turkish (at least for a time)! What other languages that you can speak? What’s your native language?
Farnoosh, I think those are some very thought worthy points to consider. I’ve lived in Japan my whole life and Japanese and English are both my mother tongues. My mother is Taiwanese, so I understand Chinese but for some reason I lack the passion to truly pursue it to be fluent in it.
The most interesting part for me about this language was that it wasn’t built around a culture, and it exists as a standalone language. I guess that defeats the purpose of learning a language for some people but I think its pretty cool to have people from different parts of the globe communicate in a truly common language.
Recently however, I’ve been studying Esperanto, an international auxiliary language. Its actually a really easy language to learn, and if you’re interested in it you might want to check it out
Thanks for the great post!
Esperanto ha? Hi Yu! Hajimimashte! It is so nice to have someone from one of my most favorite countries in the world -Japan – to read and comment here, thank you! I am envious that you speak fluent Japan as well as fluent English. I have never heard of Esperanto but I must say that the idea intrigues me greatly. It is almost like the language of musicians or sign-language which passes barriers of culture and unites people who share the same passion or goal. Thank you for your comment and come back anytime, Yu!
Hi Farnoosh
Concerning Esperanto – which I have spoken and used now for over 50 years.
Havu bonan tagon
Brian
Great post. I think when picking a new language, enthusiasm and interest level is key. It doesn’t matter if it’s the easiest language in the world, if you have no interest in it, you’ll quickly lose interest in doing what’s necessary and be bored. But if you’re interested, even if it’s a difficult language, you’ll have the discipline to learn it.
Also, another thing to consider is: how similar is the language to ones I already known. Spanish and English have pretty similar grammar, but Japanese is very different from English.
As for the sounds.. I find any person can master the sounds of any language if time is put into it.. just some require more time (such as Mandarin for an English speaking person). Japanese is actually pretty simple as you can speak it monotone and still be understandable.
Last Fabulous Post by Henway was My Review Of Colonix
Henway, thank you for bringing the passion topic into choosing a language – as with everything else, if our heart and soul is not in it, it will not happen. As far as similarity, yes Japanese is very different from romance languages but like you said, if the passion is there, perhaps the discipline can help us push through the learning curve. Sounds can be hard without proper training. I had the hardest time with Arabic and Portuguese – the latter being a favorite nonetheless. Thanks for your thoughts!
Dear Farnoosh
This article really resonated with me. Just great!
You asked us if we have a craving to learn another language. Well I’m afraid mine is rather serious…It has resulted in me resigning from my job, my cushy little life, apartment, car, boyfriend – packing it all up and plunging into the unfamiliar depths of South America to learn Spanish, travel and ultimately – to be free, to discover myself, and to live a life of passion.
I got stuck in a corporate rat-race job that brought me no joy and felt like my life was cubicled in. I felt cubicled in. So I am going exploring to find myself again, indulge myself in Spanish, learn as much as possible and to face my fears of being alone in a foreign land, without the language.
I did the same thing at the age of 18 when I went to Germany for a year to learn German & au pair. Learning German opened up a new world for me, including aforementioned job where I met my best friend and the most sincere, loyal man I’ve ever known.
So yes, I couldn’t agree more with Charlemagne’s quote “To have another language it to possess a second soul”. I’m off to find mine
Dear brave and courageous Janine, how nice to hear this story! I went to Argentina and I know that the Spanish spoken in Buenos Aires just tugs at the heart (very different from other dialogs of the language and my favorite). To do what you did, I can only imagine amazing courage and I am so excited for you – do be safe as you make your way around South America and I wish you every bit of joy and learning and fun that you can possibly imagine! Thank you.
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