This week I have really begun my Indonesian instruction, meeting with my tutor and starting to think about my project. First, my goals for Indonesian are crystalizing a bit more: I would like to focus much of this semester on topics of economics and geopolitics, relating the content of my language learning to my PPEL and Global Studies majors. I would also like to expand my everyday vocabulary in order to watch movies without having to pause to try to break down what the Indonesian subtitles mean or google translate words.
While studying abroad in Indonesia, my course followed a broad 10-segment curriculum that was largely based around concepts of public policy-- while also bringing in useful everyday vocabulary. Because of this, I already have some baseline of knowledge around these topics, but it is very rusty since I have not upkept my Indonesian well enough in the last year. I also have some experience watching Indonesian movies, but this is also quite rusty, and they often use significant amounts of Jakarta slang, which I am unfamiliar with. So with this goal of improving my language skills, relating to relevant academic areas, I have a series of goals for this semester.
- Effortlessly understand interviews of top Indonesian officials, from all regions of the country. This will be easier than other goals, since they typicaly use very standardized language and are trying to speak clearly.
- Watch Indonesian TV shows (Indonesian, Indonesian subs or without subs) and really enjoy them-- I want to break through a personal barrier where I often feel tired or a bit stressed when I consume popular media, due largely to the persistent language barrier.
- Read 1 decent-sized book in Indonesian this semester. I do not have too much time, but I want to commit to this because I know it will be hugely helpful for my vocabulary. I am still looking for a book, as Indonesian literature can be very hard to come by/unavailable in the US.
Going forward I plan to meet with my language partner 2x a week, probably Monday and Wednesday. After discussing my goals with her, the plan is to have free-flowing conversation, as I try to rebuild my vocabulary and get used to speaking in Indonesian again. My language level during the first meeting was a bit dissapointing. I kept forgetting necessary words, making conversation a bit choppy. However, I am studying up on vocabulary and am excited to continue in the classes and improving my skills.
I feel really motivated in my study, partially due to this dissatisfaction with losing my previous level. Going forward I am looking forward to dedicating significant time each day to listening to Indonesian media, TV shows, and podcasts in order to keep my level up. These first weeks will probably be difficult as my vocabulary has shrunk a lot, but I know that the work will be worth it if I can accomplish my goals, which will make maintaining my Indonesian level much easier in the future (as I will be better able to watch TV shows, movies, and other enjoyable modes of study. The only real challenge I foresee to my language study this semester is my simultaneous commitment to studying other languages in my off time (since I also need to upkeep them for personal and professsional reasons)-- I have already been mixing a fair amount of Indonesian into my Spanish and Portuguese, and do not want to start doing the opposite as well. I look forward to posting a further update in three weeks time.
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