Mastering Multiple Languages: My Journey and Insights
Language learning is a voyage that can last a lifetime, and for me, it has been an fascinating journey packed with challenges and rewards. In this article, I will share my experiences with learning multiple languages, the time it took to become fluent in each, and my passion for exploring the cultural richness associated with these linguistic undertakings.
Learning Six Languages in One Semester
During my college years, I embarked on a unique challenge by studying six languages simultaneously in a single semester. One of these languages, which I was already fluent in, stood out from the rest, as the other five were either classical languages or dialects meant for written comprehension rather than spoken usage. The modern language served as a brief introductory course.
The diversity of languages I immersed myself in required a flexible approach to learning, as each presented its own set of linguistic and cultural challenges. My primary aim was to enhance my knowledge of all six languages, even though the time it takes to achieve fluency varies greatly. For instance, I consider myself fluent enough in Ukrainian and Russian to teach Greek, Hebrew, and even German while speaking them, though my command of Russian is not as strong as my speaking ability, and my fluency in Ukrainian is still in development.
Reading Extensively Across Multiple Languages
My language-learning journey extended beyond just the spoken word. I have read extensively across five European languages and even surpassed that mark with over 15,000 pages of Japanese reading. This extensive reading has played a significant role in my language skills and cultural understanding.
For the last year, I have featured almost all of my pleasure reading in French, clocking in over 20,000 pages. Adding to that, I have studied and read in Tagalog, Romanian, Latin, and even delved into Portuguese and Dutch. My current endeavor is Arabic, which signifies a new linguistic and cultural frontier for me.
Language Proficiency for Specific Purposes
Acquiring proficiency in a language, especially for specific purposes, has been essential in my educational and professional life. Here are some examples:
Native Speaker of English
As an American, I am a native speaker of English, having been born and raised in the United States. This fluency serves as the foundation for my linguistic endeavors in other languages.
Odia as Ancestral Heritage
Odia is the language of my ancestral roots, native to the eastern part of India, bordering the Bay of Bengal. Being fluent in Odia enables me to connect with my cultural heritage and community more deeply.
Hindi as National Significance
Hindi, the national language of India, plays a pivotal role in communication. As an individual with Indian heritage, Hindi is essential for personal and professional interactions. I have been exposed to Hindi from an early age through Bollywood films and other cultural touchpoints.
Spanish for Communication and Music
Drawing from my high school experience, I studied Spanish for five years. Although I rarely practice it, I still enjoy singing Shakira in her native language, which keeps my skills sharp. Spanish's musicality and expressiveness add to the pleasure of learning it.
German as a Foreign Exchange Experience
Through a foreign exchange student experience in Germany for a full year, I developed my German language skills organically. Since my return, I have taken a few formal courses and sought opportunities to use German professionally.
Japanese as a Lifelong Interest
Japanese has been a lifelong passion for me. I began my Japanese journey at the age of 12, using the Colloquial Japanese lesson book to self-teach. Today, I continue my studies through Duolingo, and I believe I am well on my way to achieving conversational fluency. My interest in Japanese culture has driven my continued learning.
Turkish as an Emerging Obsession
Turkish is the newest language on my roster, inspired by my fascination with Turic history and the various rulers and empires it involves. This language has become a new obsession for me, especially considering its relevance to the history of my country, India. Exploring Turkish has been both enlightening and enjoyable.
Conclusion
While I have not achieved equivalent fluency in all the languages I have mentioned, my focus is on becoming proficient in a select few, aiming for a level of fluency that can be marketable and culturally valuable. Language learning is not just about achieving fluency; it's about embracing cultural diversity and expanding one's worldview. I hope to one day leverage my linguistic skills to enrich the world in meaningful ways.