My Journey Through Multiple Languages: Challenges and Successes

My journey through the world of languages has been full of trials and triumphs. I've attended numerous schools in various countries, and alongside my native Croatian and American English, I have picked up a number of additional languages. In this article, I'll share my experiences with Italian, Austrian German, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin, and more.

Early Language Learning Experiences

My initial exposure to multiple languages came from my parents and my teachers. Growing up, I picked up a bit of Spanish from my parents, who studied the language in college, and a little from my third-grade teacher. Similarly, I learned some Austrian German during my fifth-grade year, when a teacher from Quebec attempted to teach us a bit of Québécois, though he was not a very effective teacher, and I didn't retain much from this experience.

Another important language I learned in my formative years was Latin. In ninth grade, I took a Latin course, which turned out to be a challenging experience, but unexpectedly, it became very handy later when I was studying medical and scientific subjects. Latin forms the root of many scientific words, and I was glad I had taken the course in my younger years. This early exposure to Latin undoubtedly helped me in my later language learning endeavors.

Discovering Spanish and German

After Latin, I gave Spanish another try when my family hosted a foreign exchange student from South America. I found Spanish to be a bit easier this time around, likely due to the Latin influence. Unfortunately, I didn't continue the language in college and soon forgot much of what I had learned. However, ten years later, a trip to Germany reignited my interest in learning a new language.

During my trip, I used a little pocket dictionary to learn German words, and it was an enjoyable experience. When I returned home, I began studying German more seriously, and I’ve been practicing and teaching German for over two decades now. Through this process, I discovered that with persistence, I could finally find a language that truly stuck with me.

Expansion of Language Skills

Over the years, I've tried the basics of about fifty major languages using free online resources. While I am comfortable in five languages—Malayalam, Hindi, English, French, and Esperanto—I have intermediate understanding in German, Spanish, and to some extent, Italian and Portuguese. In Dutch and Nordic languages, I have elementary reading skills, and I can passively understand several Indian languages but seldom practice speaking them.

However, my path to multilingualism wasn't without its challenges. Quality online resources for many languages, especially advanced ones, are limited. Finding native or advanced speakers to interact with often proves difficult. The learning methods are varied, and not all approaches work for everyone. Additionally, motivation can fluctuate, impacting the learning process.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Despite these challenges, my journey through multiple languages has been enriching. It has not only broadened my cultural horizons but also enhanced my cognitive abilities. Learning languages is a lifelong endeavor, and while it can be challenging, the rewards are profound. Whether it’s through formal education, self-study, or life experiences, there’s always an opportunity to expand your linguistic repertoire.

So, if you’re looking to learn a new language, just like I did with German, start small and find the methods that work best for you. Persistence is key, and remember, every language has its own charm and beauty.