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How to tell when you're getting comfy with a new language
by Heather Markel
In my experience, there are a few signs when I know I, or someone else, is getting comfortable in a foreign language. Here are some of the clues I?ve noticed: ? You wake up and realize you not only remember your dream, but it was in the language you?re studying! This happened to me when I studied Japanese. It means to me that your subconscious is absorbing the language and you are starting to ?get it?. ? You can hold a conversation with a total stranger for 30 minutes. I observed one of my best friends doing this, after she told me she could hardly speak the language! Being able to talk about ?nothing? and ?everything? with someone you don?t know is a sign that you?re comfortable enough to converse without a text book, and that your brain is starting to automate words and phrases rather than you consciously thinking of your words. ? You can make jokes and ?one-up? someone. On one of my experiences living in France, I was at the dinner table with my host family. It was the night after Bastille Day, during which I had gone to a Bastille Day dance in the town with a few members of my family. My host brother, who had not joined us at the ball, took a sip of his soup, and asked me (in French, of course!) about the ball. With his eyes cast down at his spoon, very seriously contemplating his spoon, he asked, ?Did you dance with a monkey last night?? I replied, ?No, because you weren?t there.? The entire table (and there were at least ten people) erupted with laughter and he practically dropped his soup spoon. It was at that moment I realized I could keep up and surprise them, that made me understand I was as capable in French, as in English, of being a smart-a$$. For those of you who have, or are, studied another language, what are the moments that you noticed you were comfortable speaking it? To learn more about settling in to a new culture, I invite you to sign up for my free newsletter at www.culturetransition.com   The Culture Transition Reading Room contains articles contributed by Culture Transition Coach Heather Markel, author of the Learn to Feel At Home Anywhere in the World Relocation Success Guide and Social Success Strategies, both available in E-book format. Heather's now got two new E-books out. Learn how to make a new city feel like a home and how to find activities you love. And learn the secrets of a successful overseas work experience. Learn how to prepare for the professional changes to expect after relocating. She offers a great 30-day money-back guarantee. Guestbook • Contact • Answers ASAP • Our Community • Blog Site Map • Privacy Policy • News • Videos • Experts • Links |
