I’m a LALIS minor and I took Spanish in high school, but most of the Spanish I learned was in college. I very much enjoy being in the upper level Spanish classes, because they are more centered. I’ve read a lot of literature from Spain and Latin America and I really enjoy listening to Spanish music and watching TV shows in Spanish. I like to learn and practice the language in other ways than just reading a textbook and doing exercises in class. I do wish that I remembered vocabulary better, though. Some words I learn right off the bat and will remember them forever, but some words just don't stick with me. I wish I had more of a chance to interact with native Spanish speakers, but I think I have still learned pretty well without being fully immersed.
According to the FIRE model, I think I am normally a rational learner, but when it comes to learning a new language, I am closer to a factual leaner. When learning a new language, I like to know exactly what is expected of me and I want things to be very detailed. I am also a kinesthetic, hands-on learner. I like to use pictures and examples when learning new words and topics and it often helps me to remember something if I write it down two or three times. I really love using flashcards, which will be basically impossible to do with ASL, so I will have to figure out something new. I used to dance in high school and muscle memory is extremely important to remembering the steps. I think the same principal can be used with ASL. If I practice a sign enough times, eventually my hands will remember what to do without me actively thinking about it, which is the level I want to reach in all the languages I learn.
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