Thanks for sharing this -- I needed to hear it! I tend to judge myself harshly since I've been learning Spanish for 3+ years and still have days when I just don't understand what people are telling me :-)
I know exactly what you mean by making mistakes in your second language. I’ve been trying to learn French for years and I think I have a blockage somewhere. But it’s encouraging to know that you can laugh at yourself when you make a mistake and it’s OK. Thanks for the encouragement.😃 -B
I find myself inventing words all the time. I also sometimes discover that a word I know in one language actually also exists in another! Not taking oneself too seriously and flexibility are always required as we move between cultures.
a great perspective to share - it took me a long time to finally be able to laugh at my language mistakes! others lighthearted accepting my mistakes really helped.
My friends who correct me instead of just letting my small (but often repeated) mistakes go are invaluable — though I have to constantly remind them that I do in fact want to be corrected. Sending you patience and a gold star for managing that tough Andalusian accent! 😁
It's particularly humbling when surrounded by people who love to correct language mistakes... as if they were personally offended by my linguistic shortcomings. I still have issues with my butcher who can't seem to tolerate my American accent. It's gotten to be quite funny actually. At least for me. I'm ok with my totally inadequate French, and the fact that it will never sound perfect. 🌸🌸
Thanks for letting me in on 'giving myself a break.' I can't roll my tongue. That's all there is to it. I sound like a weirdo when I try and communicate with my 'Spanish accent.' For now I'll focus on doing the best I can and try and laugh instead of constantly beating myself up in frustration. Life is too short... and as long as I can get my point across for now, that's the best I can do. Great article, thank you for sharing how you're dealing with learning a new language.
I still cringe-laugh when I remember the time I asked the frutero for two children, instead of two heads of garlic. He showed me his ring while laughing, so I guess he knew what I meant. 😂
Thanks for sharing this -- I needed to hear it! I tend to judge myself harshly since I've been learning Spanish for 3+ years and still have days when I just don't understand what people are telling me :-)
I know exactly what you mean by making mistakes in your second language. I’ve been trying to learn French for years and I think I have a blockage somewhere. But it’s encouraging to know that you can laugh at yourself when you make a mistake and it’s OK. Thanks for the encouragement.😃 -B
I find myself inventing words all the time. I also sometimes discover that a word I know in one language actually also exists in another! Not taking oneself too seriously and flexibility are always required as we move between cultures.
Great post. I will refer back to this frequently.
a great perspective to share - it took me a long time to finally be able to laugh at my language mistakes! others lighthearted accepting my mistakes really helped.
My friends who correct me instead of just letting my small (but often repeated) mistakes go are invaluable — though I have to constantly remind them that I do in fact want to be corrected. Sending you patience and a gold star for managing that tough Andalusian accent! 😁
It's particularly humbling when surrounded by people who love to correct language mistakes... as if they were personally offended by my linguistic shortcomings. I still have issues with my butcher who can't seem to tolerate my American accent. It's gotten to be quite funny actually. At least for me. I'm ok with my totally inadequate French, and the fact that it will never sound perfect. 🌸🌸
Oh, I've had so many of these moments! Staying humble and being kind to ourselves and others is the best strategy.
Thanks for letting me in on 'giving myself a break.' I can't roll my tongue. That's all there is to it. I sound like a weirdo when I try and communicate with my 'Spanish accent.' For now I'll focus on doing the best I can and try and laugh instead of constantly beating myself up in frustration. Life is too short... and as long as I can get my point across for now, that's the best I can do. Great article, thank you for sharing how you're dealing with learning a new language.
I still cringe-laugh when I remember the time I asked the frutero for two children, instead of two heads of garlic. He showed me his ring while laughing, so I guess he knew what I meant. 😂
What is the difference between “inspectando” and “inspeccionando”?