Learning a New Language

I had the opportunity to spend my missionary service time in Boston, Massachusetts. I was assigned to work with the Spanish-speaking people of the area. Something I quickly figured out was that native Spanish speakers seem to talk a million miles per hour. It was very difficult for me to understand them in the beginning. I found myself asking very few questions so that I wouldn't have to deal with not understanding anything they were saying. Looking back I don't know why I didn't ask people to slow down.

Comprehension is obviously a significant part of the process of learning a new language. I guess if you plan on speaking the whole time and not listening to a word anyone else is saying, then it might be alright. In all likelihood, that won't be the case. As a man who occasionally has been accused of not listening, I think it is very important to listen. As you get used to hearing your new language, it will seem to slow down and you'll be able to understand it a little better. I personally think that your brain starts to recognize the new language and it starts to relax. So, listen to native speakers as much as you can.

For most people, the most difficult part of learning a new language is being able to speak in that language. You seem to understand at least the gist of what someone else is saying, but when it comes time for you to speak, you freeze up and nothing comes out. For me, it was the opposite. I had a more difficult time understanding than I did speaking. That was partly because I spent more time practicing my speech than I did listening to native speakers.

I enjoy sports, and my favorite sport is basketball. I have been playing basketball since I was 3 years old. I hold my own against most people because I have learned the game and have practiced and played the game for countless hours. I'm not saying I am Michael Jordan, but I would not expect anyone to pick up a basketball for the first time or even the tenth time and be able to beat me in a 1-on-1. YOU NEED TO PRACTICE. Speak the language as often as humanly possible. If there is no one to speak to, talk to yourself. Instead of simply reading in Spanish, read aloud in Spanish. I worked very hard to speak the language and consistently practiced and read aloud everyday. On a side note, this is a picture of Mike Myers in a skit for Saturday Night Live called Coffee Talk. I thought it was hilarious.

As you are on the journey to learn a new language, you will quickly learn that it won't be easy. I love the saying on this picture. Some people seem to learn things a little bit faster, but everyone needs to work hard. I personally know some very smart people who aren't achieving their potential because they lack a good work ethic. I'm not saying that I'm the hardest worker of all time. I certainly have my lazy moments. I know that I feel a lot better about myself and I obviously get a lot more accomplished when I'm dedicated. There is a satisfaction that comes with working hard toward achieving a goal. Dedication to learning Spanish was one thing that helped me learn at a quicker pace than others. At the same time, I think I have a knack for language learning. But I don't want to be known as the guy with a knack. I want to be known as a guy who had certain skills and worked very hard to become better.