How Did You Choose Your Third Language to Learn?
In my case, the choice of my third language was a result of living and working in countries where it was spoken, and the realization that not everyone there spoke English. This experience played a significant role in shaping my linguistic journey.
In my country, Slovakia, almost everyone can speak two languages: Slovak and Czech. Some can even learn Hungarian due to the diverse linguistic landscape. Furthermore, English, German, Russian, French, and more recently, Spanish or Japanese, are often required or encouraged in schools to fulfill curriculum requirements. This exposure to multiple languages set the foundation for my linguistic explorations.
The Journey Begins with Commerce
My academic journey took an unexpected turn when I graduated in 2016 with a Commerce degree. I was optimistic about the opportunities it would bring, but within four months, I found myself working night shifts with minimal wages. Realizing that I needed to make a change, I enrolled in a course to become a company secretary, a field I thought would provide more stability. However, after a few months, I still felt unfulfilled, leading me to consider a different path—the one of learning a new language.
This decision wasn't easy, especially since my family and friends had come to expect little from me after my early academic successes. I felt a growing need for self-improvement and the desire to do something meaningful, pushing me to explore the world of languages.
The Compulsory and Chosen Languages
German was my third language, which I was compelled to learn due to school regulations. While my fourth, fifth, and sixth languages—French, Spanish, and Russian—were not compulsory, I chose to study them for various reasons. French was the most practical for my early career prospects and development, given its historical importance in international relations. I also found Spanish enjoyable due to its straightforward pronunciation, while Russian offered a unique challenge with its complex grammar.
Deciding on Esperanto as my seventh language was more of a fun endeavor. Known as the constructed language designed for international use, it was incredibly easy to learn—I could essentially learn it for free. Similarly, Dutch became my eighth language due to a move to the Netherlands, where it is widely spoken.
The Reflection on My Language Learning Path
Throughout my linguistic journey, I have also taken courses in Modern Greek and Hebrew, as well as studied Mandarin and Latin at home. However, due to the low proficiency levels, these efforts are not considered significant. Mandarin, in particular, proved challenging due to its tonal nature, which I found particularly difficult to master. Despite a lack of musical sense, I recognized the importance of mastering tones and pronunciation.
My experience with learning languages has taught me that the path to proficiency is a combination of staying motivated, engaging with the language in real-world contexts, and celebrating even minor achievements in the process. The lessons I've learned have not only enriched my personal life but also opened up new career opportunities and enhanced my global understanding.