Some people start YouTube channels, some people post on IG. For me, writing has always been my jam so I decided to blog it out (even though I have some work to do). One of the best ways to see progress with your goals is to document it so here we are. And hopefully, we all can learn from this experiment.
Since the family and I are visiting France in September what better motivation is there to learn the language? I have always loved languages, it’s just that my brain just hasn’t gotten the memo and I only know one language fluently(English). I’ve reach the conclusion that the only way I’m going to make some progress in language learning is by publicly documenting the process.
Background:
Like other Americans who have endured the education system, I was fortunate to be able to take a language class in high school (it was a requirement 😅) And like other students I was left with the basics: how to say Hola, Konichiwa, Hallo, or Bonjour and that I speak a little of the language.
Definitely not enough for traveling and my experience over 10 years ago.
I’ll give myself credit for one thing, I was one of the persistent types who took all 4 years of high school french yet I’d say I’m at that awkward stage between A1 and A2 levels where it’s easier for me to read French than to hear it spoken.
I’ve had the pleasure of binge-watching Emily in Paris (don’t hate me French people 👉👈🥺) and I was pleasantly surprised that I understood some of the spoken French 😌 and now with the trip around the corner (about 9 months away) I’m ready to put on my big girl pants and dive in and take it seriously 😤.
Oh, by the way I should probably mention I’m trying to learn 2 languages at once. Well ok, more like 4 but really I have 2 top languages to learn with a set deadline because my family and I are visiting not only Paris but Berlin as well so Guten Tag!
Alright so let’s get to the goal setting and action planning
Operation: Understandable Tourist
Goal for these next 9 months is to learn enough of the language to:
- Navigate the city (not much of a S.M.A.R.T goal 🤔)
- Order food (seems pretty SM.A.R.T to me)
- Understand the train announcements (which may be more of a challenge than I originally thought due to muffled voices)
Monthly Plan to get there:
- Record a video of me speaking the Language
- Learn 200 words/ phrases(per language)
- Watch a show dubbed in the language
- Progress with the FSI book
- Listen to 15 Podcast episodes (I’m really digging the Coffee Break podcast)
- Learn lyrics to a song
- Spend 20 mins on tandem(probably the most intimidating goal)
And we’ll see how this goes…
See you next month for an update. Wish me luck! Or better yet discipline
More From This Category
Twice as Talented: The McLaughlin Twins
Howdy Y'all This is a section of the blog where I want to highlight up-and-coming talent. A section people can use to network with others and, who knows, possibly collaborate with each other. I think we in the digital age forget that no one pops out of the womb being...
Language Learning Update: Wins and Struggles After 1 Month
Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash Welp, we are well into month 2(I'm writing this Feb 16th) and month one was… a disappointment. What’s the quote ‘We overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in 5” well yeah my learning style...
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
0 Comments