Reflection Post #1
My only previous language learning experience has been studying Russian, which I have been learning for about three years now. In a college classroom setting, I really enjoyed learning Russian because the language was like a puzzle to me: its case system, its consistency in root word and prefix meanings, its flexible word order (I could go on). These aspects made me feel like I could study a sentence and unlock its meaning, even if I was unfamiliar with the vocabulary. Coming from a biochemistry background, I viewed the Russian language as another equation I could solve for myself.
However, when I studied abroad in Kyrgyzstan this past summer, I was shocked at how poor my actual practical understanding of the language was. Yes, I could decipher a sentence if I read it slowly. But to understand what someone was saying to me, let alone respond back to them in a comprehensible way proved extremely challenging. Moreover, even if I could understand them, I was so worried about case declension, imperfective vs perfective verbs, and other parts of grammar that I couldn’t get any words out. I had gotten so caught up in learning grammar structures and memorizing vocabulary that when it came to actually using the language, I was completely lost. That is why I am super grateful for my intensive language study experience in Bishkek, because it forced me to think in and use Russian faster. This of course meant making more mistakes, but at least I was speaking at all.
So, in language learning, I enjoy studying the grammar and understanding exactly how the language works. But now I would say I enjoy bolstering my listening comprehension and conversation skills. What I dislike is the fear I have for making mistakes and the embarrassment that comes from not understanding what others are saying. However, in my study of Ukrainian, I will prioritize these goals of comprehension and verbal communication from the beginning. I will achieve this by speaking as much as possible in Ukrainian every week, identifying cognates in English and Russian, and studying the most commonly used words in the language.
Moreover, I will utilize strategies recommended for my particular learning style. I am a tactile and visual learner. As a tactile learner, spatial movement is important in my studies. The survey recommended building or drawing something. It also encouraged frequent breaks and to allow movement while studying like chewing gum. Visual learners are recommended to use flashcards and visualize new words. It is also recommended to use some kind of color coding mechanism, like color coding different syllables of a word. Other activities recommended for my various learning styles include journaling, reading lyrics to music, writing poetry and using rhymes, and crossword puzzles. I intend on using all of these strategies while studying Ukrainian. In my experience learning Russian, journaling helped me so much to find my own voice in the language, and get over the mental block of communication. I found it was an extremely helpful exercise in seeing what I was able to say without looking at a dictionary or my notes. I think it would be very beneficial to start this practice from the beginning of studying Ukrainian to find that inner monologue in the language from early on.
My only previous language learning experience has been studying Russian, which I have been learning for about three years now. In a college classroom setting, I really enjoyed learning Russian because the language was like a puzzle to me: its case system, its consistency in root word and prefix meanings, its flexible word order (I could go on). These aspects made me feel like I could study a sentence and unlock its meaning, even if I was unfamiliar with the vocabulary. Coming from a biochemistry background, I viewed the Russian language as another equation I could solve for myself.
However, when I studied abroad in Kyrgyzstan this past summer, I was shocked at how poor my actual practical understanding of the language was. Yes, I could decipher a sentence if I read it slowly. But to understand what someone was saying to me, let alone respond back to them in a comprehensible way proved extremely challenging. Moreover, even if I could understand them, I was so worried about case declension, imperfective vs perfective verbs, and other parts of grammar that I couldn’t get any words out. I had gotten so caught up in learning grammar structures and memorizing vocabulary that when it came to actually using the language, I was completely lost. That is why I am super grateful for my intensive language study experience in Bishkek, because it forced me to think in and use Russian faster. This of course meant making more mistakes, but at least I was speaking at all.
So, in language learning, I enjoy studying the grammar and understanding exactly how the language works. But now I would say I enjoy bolstering my listening comprehension and conversation skills. What I dislike is the fear I have for making mistakes and the embarrassment that comes from not understanding what others are saying. However, in my study of Ukrainian, I will prioritize these goals of comprehension and verbal communication from the beginning. I will achieve this by speaking as much as possible in Ukrainian every week, identifying cognates in English and Russian, and studying the most commonly used words in the language.
Moreover, I will utilize strategies recommended for my particular learning style. I am a tactile and visual learner. As a tactile learner, spatial movement is important in my studies. The survey recommended building or drawing something. It also encouraged frequent breaks and to allow movement while studying like chewing gum. Visual learners are recommended to use flashcards and visualize new words. It is also recommended to use some kind of color coding mechanism, like color coding different syllables of a word. Other activities recommended for my various learning styles include journaling, reading lyrics to music, writing poetry and using rhymes, and crossword puzzles. I intend on using all of these strategies while studying Ukrainian. In my experience learning Russian, journaling helped me so much to find my own voice in the language, and get over the mental block of communication. I found it was an extremely helpful exercise in seeing what I was able to say without looking at a dictionary or my notes. I think it would be very beneficial to start this practice from the beginning of studying Ukrainian to find that inner monologue in the language from early on.
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