Starting out in Self-Directed Language learning, I was really excited about working with Bethany and learning Kannada. I must admit, I was a little overenthusiastic and over-expectant. I expected that we would have an extensive vocabulary and be able to carry on intense conversations with the people we would meet. As we started learning, I realized that some aspects of the way I learn were exactly right: I am a audible and social learner, and the way Bethany and Aarti and I practiced together was perfect for my learning style. Our conversations would be filled with fun moments, like sitting outside in the courtyard on a pretty day, or going to the prayer room and talking about life in a sacred place. We had jokes too - like not pointing feet at people (as this is EXTREMELY rude in India).
My favorite moment, though, was when Bethany and I learned a song in Kannada which we created ourselves. I definitely learn by musical tones, and the lyrics of the song will stay with me. We placed the words to a popular tune that we know, and every time I hear the song, I will want to sing it in Kannada!
Some of the articles such as sociocultural factors and communicative competence I truly enjoyed reading because I could effectively look back at my study abroad experience and then look forward to how it will be different in India in a different culture and with a different language. For me, the articles brought in the cultural aspect that was missing from the language time with Aarti. I learned about the use of henna in India, and then started wearing henna and telling stories with it. I really enjoyed this aspect, and I have a henna pen in my room that I fully intend on using next year and learning new designs. In addition, I learned more about Indian culture in general - their views on family, on time, and on food. I think if I were to do this over, I would spend more time on vocabulary based on the culture (i.e. chutney - a favorite breakfast meal).
When we go (now next summer) I am extremely excited about using knowledge about Indian culture; and in the meantime Aarti and I are going to keep learning together and cook together in my apartment. I felt like I grew from this class in ways that will stay with me. I fully hope to spend the rest of my life understanding cultural differences and talking to people from every people group and ethnicity and nationality. Learning Indian culture and Kannada are the first step in cultivating a greater communicative competence in my future.
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