Before taking SDLC 105, I never considered myself to be a language learner. This course helped me explore multiple aspects of myself as a student and how I learn best. Initially, I thought that language learners meant that you had to be "good at languages." I never saw myself that way, and I still do not see myself to be "good at languages." I have a moral obligation for myself to be bilingual. This semester I have learned that I want to expand my language learning beyond just French. While I specifically focused on French speaking and learning about culture associated with the language via oral conversation, I got to learn about being multi-lingual and dipping my toes into other cultures.
I feel like overall there is a lot of stigma when it comes to talking about culture, particularly outside of academic contexts. When I am in a classroom, I feel comfortable talking about culture and people with just about anyone. Even with my friends too. I find it more difficult to talk about culture when I am in my hometown or with family who have not traveled a lot or interacted with people outside of their communities. I am from one of the whitest parts of America, so when I tell extended family about my endeavors to speak and learn languages, as well as travel and meet new people while using these language skills, this confuses them. I tend to be educating people about culture and language learning more than having an "equal dialogue." I guess I just forget that I have to recognize that some people have been less exposed to international cultures than I have. With this, I am learning that sometimes I need to be more patient and flexible. I forget that I am not always on iTalki or at the University of Richmond.
I have enjoyed getting to speak with Sara, my language partner on iTalki. My speaking has gone up and down throughout the semester because I am learning Spanish outside of SDLC. In the very early days of meeting with Sara, I was about a month out of coming back from France, so I was sounding pretty good. I think that throughout the semester by accent has gone down a little bit, and sometimes my pronunciation is off because I will think about pronouncing Spanish words. It has been interesting to think about how much my brain changes in order to adapt to different languages. My actual conversations with Sara have gone really well. The first half of the semester our conversations were mainly guided by her asking me written questions. Now, I feel like I get to interview her more because I feel more comfortable in my ability to ask her questions. I got to learn a lot about Moroccan culture and Sara's relationship to being a language learner too.
I think that I will continue to meet with her a couple of times a month just to keep up with her life. Next semester I am doing my first C-LAC in French, so I am trying something new to keep up with my language learning. I get to dabble in French writing again, which I have not done extensively since the summer. I am looking forward to see how my French changes in that process.
My favorite readings were on cultural competence and intercultural communication. I think that one of the biggest reasons why I want to learn languages is so that I can communicate with people in various cultures. It increases my appreciation for humanity and the power of language in different social contexts and how much it can change people's lives. I also enjoyed reading about syntax and learning how to make word trees because I am a linguistics minor. It was a good introduction into what a linguistics and syntax focused class will look like, as I plan to pursue taking those classes while I am here at UR.
Overall, I would recommend this class to anyone interested in learning a language outside of a full credit class! I have recommended SDLC 105 to a few of my freshman orientees who have interest in learning languages and keeping up with their language skills. Thank you Dr. Marsh-Soloway!!!
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