Nicci and I have been trying to learn Español (Spanish) on and off for a few years. We get half reasonable and then stop as we are not using it. Then we start again. Luckily it is quicker to relearn as somewhere in the back of our minds is the residual learning from before.
Benefits of learning languages
I think we’ve probably all heard that there are health benefits to learning a new language. If you want to double check what those benefits are you can read about them here.
The fact that it helps to keep your brain in good condition is the obvious benefit.
Language study deepens your appreciation and understanding of your mother tongue. This is very true. As Nicci and I have been working with people across the Pond we have found that learning the variations of our own mother tongue interesting too. The differences in usage of words can be a nightmare.
After the memorial service of my late wife I said to a couple of her friends that I was gasping for a fag. This caused a couple of looks of shock until I rephrased it to cigarette.
Pants and Fanny also have different and often confusing meanings between the two main versions of English.
In the spirit of Creating A New, Beautiful And Courageous Existence learning a foreign language is a good starting point.
Why Español?
“I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse.” Charles V
I speak to Nicci, but she doesn’t speak Italian only a little Español, which could be why she thinks she’s God in this household. I don’t have a horse but do speak French to both men and women. All very tongue in cheek but even in the 1500s the ability to speak different languages was well recognised.
I recorded my thoughts on learning a “new” language, and why Español in particular, in a video. Afterall language is not only about the written word. We need to consider the spoken language too.
Practice makes perfect
It’s all well and good writing about things in theory: however, we need to start applying what we learn. Which language would you want to learn and why? Is it just for fun or would it help on holiday or for work.
Be kind to yourself …
In CANBACE friendship!
If anything I have written resonates I’d love to hear from you in the comments. I appreciate that this can be a difficult subject to speak openly about. If you don’t want me to publish your comment on the website, please let me know. I will keep your words private.
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