I was in your shoes years ago, struggling with Dutch. I never really learned it properly, and looking back, that was a mistake. Integration and truly understanding a culture begin with the language. It’s also a form of respect toward the locals, and any meaningful relationship should be built on that foundation.
I totally agree! It’s always a good way to integrate and definitely something appreciated by the locals. Last weekend I went to a museum and the ticket agent started in English. She smiled so big when I asked her to help me keep learning (in Dutch).
Your efforts are admirable, and as a long-time language teacher who is awful at learning languages, I'm always in awe (see what I did there?) of those like you who put in such time and effort and show such results. Impressive.
It was interesting to hear about your Russian experience too.
I might give Babbel a shot, based on your and Kaila's recommendation. That might give me the kick up the backside that I need.
I have to concur that being praised by a local for your language is far better than any streak achievements or otherwise on Babbel, duolingo, etc. The reverse Google translate trick is a good one! I'll have to give it a try. I've also heard of people learning with chat GPT, but I have yet to give that a go. Sounds like you're doing great, keep it up!
I could totally see using AI as a coach, and Preply has humans that offer lessons for as little as 17€ per hour. As fun as the apps are (and I love the gamification on Duolingo), it’s all about stepping outside of your comfort zone…unless your goal is armchair conversations with avatars 😃
With the exception of work meetings, I had a lot less human conversation before I moved. Suburbs and cities are always going to be different, but I’m more inclined to try speaking here!
I went to a very strict religious high school. Unbeknown to the god fearing powers at large, the diary of Anias Nin was sitting on the shelf. My internal revolution started with that book and, I went to the library to be with her a lot!! I think she would say that language doesn’t really matter when swimming in the depths of human connection.
What a wonderful connection! I am in my forties and her diary is awakening me, I can scarcely image what I might have thought in high school! Hers is an incredible voice that speaks so powerfully through time…not unlike your own!
This was fascinating and also funny! I am bilingual; I speak English and Spanish. I do think that it’s helpful to learn the language of a country you plan to live in, not only because it’s fun, but it’s a way of preserving that culture AND yours, if that makes sense. Not that there’s anything wrong with Spanglish. But I think it’s cool to be able to read and speak and respect both languages.
Thank you! I really want to get there—I love learning languages but have to keep pushing myself since it is easy to get discouraged. I totally agree, it’s so important to learn the language. Seeing how another culture talks about things not only teaches you the words, but it makes you think about what’s different about the way you originally learned. Just yesterday my language teacher explained the Dutch use the preposition “over” for time…in English we use “in.” Such a slight difference but very freeing to imagine hopping over time rather than being trapped in it!
Yeah it was easier for me because my mama, who’s from Peru, was speaking to me in both languages basically since I was born. But I did teach myself to read tolerably in French. I’ll never try to speak it though 😅
My brother in the taxi in Paris ended up making “beep beep” noises and pointing and the drivers were laughing but managed to understand what he was trying to say 🤣🤣
Keep going, Gillian!
I was in your shoes years ago, struggling with Dutch. I never really learned it properly, and looking back, that was a mistake. Integration and truly understanding a culture begin with the language. It’s also a form of respect toward the locals, and any meaningful relationship should be built on that foundation.
Keep us posted on your progress!
Tot ziens!
I totally agree! It’s always a good way to integrate and definitely something appreciated by the locals. Last weekend I went to a museum and the ticket agent started in English. She smiled so big when I asked her to help me keep learning (in Dutch).
Your efforts are admirable, and as a long-time language teacher who is awful at learning languages, I'm always in awe (see what I did there?) of those like you who put in such time and effort and show such results. Impressive.
It was interesting to hear about your Russian experience too.
I might give Babbel a shot, based on your and Kaila's recommendation. That might give me the kick up the backside that I need.
So funny that what feels like stilted baby steps looks impressive—an excellent reminder how hard we are on ourselves!
In many ways, speaking another language is less about skill and more about mindset. If you believe you can, you will!
I have to concur that being praised by a local for your language is far better than any streak achievements or otherwise on Babbel, duolingo, etc. The reverse Google translate trick is a good one! I'll have to give it a try. I've also heard of people learning with chat GPT, but I have yet to give that a go. Sounds like you're doing great, keep it up!
I could totally see using AI as a coach, and Preply has humans that offer lessons for as little as 17€ per hour. As fun as the apps are (and I love the gamification on Duolingo), it’s all about stepping outside of your comfort zone…unless your goal is armchair conversations with avatars 😃
Agreed. Have you tried the AI conversation partner on Babbel? I've tried it a couple times with not much joy. I guess people will have to do 🤣😅
I haven’t but I’m always up for a new feature!
With the exception of work meetings, I had a lot less human conversation before I moved. Suburbs and cities are always going to be different, but I’m more inclined to try speaking here!
That was a fun read!
Het huisje van de koning. Hilarious!
Hartelijk bedankt! Het is belangrijk voor mij om in elke taal grappig te zijn…
I went to a very strict religious high school. Unbeknown to the god fearing powers at large, the diary of Anias Nin was sitting on the shelf. My internal revolution started with that book and, I went to the library to be with her a lot!! I think she would say that language doesn’t really matter when swimming in the depths of human connection.
What a wonderful connection! I am in my forties and her diary is awakening me, I can scarcely image what I might have thought in high school! Hers is an incredible voice that speaks so powerfully through time…not unlike your own!
This was fascinating and also funny! I am bilingual; I speak English and Spanish. I do think that it’s helpful to learn the language of a country you plan to live in, not only because it’s fun, but it’s a way of preserving that culture AND yours, if that makes sense. Not that there’s anything wrong with Spanglish. But I think it’s cool to be able to read and speak and respect both languages.
The pineapple thing made me laugh 🤣
Thank you! I really want to get there—I love learning languages but have to keep pushing myself since it is easy to get discouraged. I totally agree, it’s so important to learn the language. Seeing how another culture talks about things not only teaches you the words, but it makes you think about what’s different about the way you originally learned. Just yesterday my language teacher explained the Dutch use the preposition “over” for time…in English we use “in.” Such a slight difference but very freeing to imagine hopping over time rather than being trapped in it!
Yeah it was easier for me because my mama, who’s from Peru, was speaking to me in both languages basically since I was born. But I did teach myself to read tolerably in French. I’ll never try to speak it though 😅
That’s such an invaluable way to learn to be bilingual—and a huge tie in to a whole part of your own cultural heritage.
The last time I was in France, I was so cocky walking into the boulangerie (even though I hadn’t spoken it in years)…I ended up pointing.
My brother in the taxi in Paris ended up making “beep beep” noises and pointing and the drivers were laughing but managed to understand what he was trying to say 🤣🤣