Bilingual Thinking: Insights from a Lifelong Learner

Imagine being raised with two languages fluently. How do you think and dream in such a context? In this article, we dive into the experience of bilingual thinking, drawing from personal experiences and insights into language fluency and immersion.

Early Struggles with Bilingualism

My journey into bilingual thinking began in 1993 when I enrolled at the Instituto Bachillerato de Guía de Isora in Guía de Isora, Tenerife, Spain. As a first-time exchange student, my grasp of the native language was shaky. I had to meticulously translate every thought, almost like a cognitive gymnastics routine. This challenge was further compounded by my young age and lack of immersion, leading to a pervasive language barrier.

During those early days, I remember hanging out with friends like Denise, a Canadian, and later, Pascual, with whom I shared not only laughter but also linguistic frustration. The inability to communicate effectively lagged, pushing me to bring a notepad and dictionary everywhere. My focus quickly shifted to studying verb conjugations and sentence structures. I delved into a massive GIGANTIC Collins English-Spanish dictionary, which had over five thousand common verbs and their conjugations.

Memorizing Conjugations Nightly

My efforts paid off within four months. I could hold conversations with confidence, sometimes annoying my acquaintances with my newfound fluency. A pivotal moment occurred when I heard my friend Pascual’s mother say, “Yo que se Daniel!” — a phrase that essentially translates to “You must really want to learn, Daniel!” In those early days, my language skills were not just an asset, but a coping mechanism for stress. At the end of the day, I’d watch news shows like ABC’s Nightly News with Peter Jennings, tucking into the hen-house of linguistic immersion to alleviate stress.

Language as Topography

Language, in my experience, is not just a set of words but a map of mental terrain. Just like how you remember the layout of your kitchen and navigate it effortlessly, language fluency enables you to navigate abstract scenarios and everyday conversations with ease. I found that thinking in the native language became a natural part of my daily life. By the end of November, I began to dream in Spanish, a leap that solidified my bilingual thinking.

Challenges of Bilingual Immersion

Immersive languages, often acquired later in life, demand relentless practice. Without the internet, and access to a mere three channels of Spanish TV, my days were filled with stress headaches from the mental demand of switching languages so frequently. Interestingly, this made speaking the native language not just a pastime but a relief from the constant mental exertion. It’s a poignant reminder that to be truly fluent in a language, one must not just know it but live and breathe it.

The Prank of Time

Thinking in a second language can be a double-edged sword. It’s like a secret key that opens the door to a new world, but also a reminder of what you’ve lost. Reflecting on my experiences, one of the proudest moments was when a Spanish woman remarked, “Where are you from? You’ve got an accent.” Yet, the shock of how much I’ve forgotten after 30 years is a stark reality. It makes me wonder, what lessons can I re-learn if I immerse myself once more?

Reflecting on my 18-year career as a manager at Walmart, a journey of 18 years leading to retirement, it’s clear that bilingualism has played a significant role in shaping my life. The joy I felt in Tenerife, redefined by the language that once stumped me, makes me hope to return there someday. This trip down memory lane serves as a testament to the power of bilingualism and immersion in shaping one’s identity and life trajectory.

Conclusion

Language is more than just communication; it’s a tool for thinking and dreaming. My journey from a language barrier to fluency shows the profound impact of immersion and dedication. Bilingual thinking offers a unique perspective and brings about a deeper connection with cultures and people. As we continue to explore the world, let’s embrace the power of language to transform our lives and the way we see the world.