Reflection%20%231%20Kelly%20Breakall.docx
I have studied several languages, so I will comment on various aspects of each.
My first exposure to a foreign language was Latin in middle school. Seeing as I was homeschooled, and Latin is not exactly a popular course to offer outside of private schools, I simply had a textbook, a notebook, and my brain to help me. Needless to say, languages, even dead ones, need some social interaction for learning to take place! I did not make it very far in Latin simply because I did not have purpose or motivation.
Off and on from middle school through college I studied Spanish. I always learned through classes, and really loved the camaraderie of the classroom experience. I also frequently practiced my Spanish with native speakers. What I disliked most about this method of studying Spanish is the same thing which pushed me to the greatest level of proficiency I have in any foreign language: the rigidity of the syllabus. Although annoying, I have to admit that having external motivation and requirements is helpful.
Starting in high school I became a total language nerd, and chose Arabic as my linguistic passion of choice. Once I learned the script, I used to frequently read the Arabic-English dictionary for fun. I loved being able to write in what felt like "code language" that only certain people could understand. Sometimes I would even write in Spanish in the Arabic script, to make myself feel like a top-secret spy! I spent hours each week with Arabic immigrants, teaching them basic English while I grasped at basic Arabic. I would probe them over and over, "Ana ekol... Heya tekol... Howa...??...." ["I eat, she eats, he ??"] trying to understand the underlying grammar rules before I found them in my textbooks. I can only describe what I was doing as play – practicing the language simply because I loved it and without ulterior motive.
I spent a few weeks each attempting Japanese, Korean, French, and, for a brief few moments, Zulu, but without proper support and motivation I gave up quickly. Motivation is important!
To reflect on my language learning style, I learn best in a supportive environment with a very patient language partner. It is important to me that I can immerse myself, even becoming as a child, in the language and culture. I like learning "street language," possibly because I've gotten laughed at plenty by native speakers for speaking "properly" in their language! I dislike being forced to learn concepts which I do not find useful, and I dislike producing work, such as papers or speeches, which do not have practical purpose for existing.
I tend to approach grammar by simultaneously memorizing overall ideas and specific words, especially verb tenses, before I learn the rules that govern them. I enjoy exploring "what if" and "why" questions, or what I call playing with the language. I do enjoy open-ended questions in language exams. After all, language as an academic discipline is uniquely real, practical, and messy. According to the FIRE model, my preferences would indicate I am closest to the Rational thinker.
According to the surveys I completed, I am an auditory learner and my top three intelligences are Music, Self, and Nature. I do enjoy learning texts through music – I will dedicate hours to imitating the lyrics to a song if I like the music. I also enjoy spending time by myself to study grammar and practice talking to myself in the language. One specific resource which I have found helpful for picking up the functional basics of a language is Pimsleur audio courses. Furthermore, although the surveys didn't demonstrate this, I am also a very visual learner and find it helpful to write down and then read what I am learning.
I think to expand my learning activities for Hindi, I should push myself past my fear and shyness to practice with more Hindi speakers. Thankfully, I know plenty of them! I also plan to use online platforms, such as Mango and Duolingo, which I have not yet used seriously. I plan to meet with Atul, my language partner, twice a week and learn as much as possible from interacting with him. I also plan to continue to read my Hindi textbooks and practice what I learn from them. Most importantly, to learn Hindi I plan to have scheduled study and practice sessions, with clear and precise goals.
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