As I am not actually studying a particular foreign language like the rest of the class, I felt as if I would write a little regarding the linguistical aspects of the Spanish language, a tounge in which I am trying to become more familiar with. Accordingly, after doing some research on this very subject, I found that the experts tend to define Spanish as being three different types of a language. For example, one scholar labled the tounge simply as being a "romance" lanaguage, a language defined and formed by its Latin predecessors. However, others believe it to be an SVO language, while some argue that it is a wholly "fusional" system of linguistics.
Thus, considering all the aforementioned, it appears as if simply defining Spanish as one singular type of language won't really be serving it any kind of justice. Simply put, Spanish, and most languages in general, are much more complicated than that. With the transition from English speaking to Spanish speaking, one must be wholly aware of all the various cultural differences they will inevitably face.
For example, personally, I found the general pacing and speed of traditional Spanish speakers to be highly accelerated and, at times, very difficult to comprehend. Because I have such a novice hold on the tounge, I always find myself having problems when trying to communicate with more experienced practicioners. With a little time and thought, I can usually make sense of most phrases and sentences. Yet, I still would love to be able to speak and correspondigly think in Spanish at this faster rate. Speaking of this, I think the best way for me to improve upon this aspect of my Spanish would be for me to immediately jump into the proverbial deep end. In other words, I feel as though I need to be forced to communicate in this language in an area where it is the number one form of expression. Talking with other English-born Spanish speakers is one thing, but doing it with people who have grown up with the langauge their entire lives is something completely different.
Therefore, what I am basically saying is that, in order to reach my Spanish goals, I have to be willing to practice it at all times. When watching something in Spanish, I should try not to use the subtitles. Upon meeting a Spanish speaker, I should attempt to converse with them in their own tongue before immediately reverting back to my English roots. I know it won't be easy, but I feel that it will definitely be worth the effort in the long run.
*Attached to this post is the Linguistics text I used as a source
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