I decided to learn another language (again)
They say it’s important to keep learning as you get older. Since everyone is always getting older, I figure this is a sure fire way for just about anyone to keep the gray matter “fresh.” And when was the last time you met someone who spoke 2 or 3 languages without thinking “Gee, that must be a smart person.” So, there are pluses to this.
If you didn’t know, most public libraries have online access to language tutors free to anyone with a library card. I decided to sign into my Mango account to see what they have.
In addition to the standards you expect (French, Portuguese, German, etc.) I found I can learn Shakespearean English, Yiddish, and Haitian Creole, but a short course in Pirate! Through 6 quick and simple lessons, I can learn the correct syntax for:
- Calling someone names
- Expressing surprise
- Giving sailing commands
- Greeting a friend or superior
- Paying compliments
When I’m done, I can revisit the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, with new understanding. At the least I may find an opportunity to criticize the movie accuracy from a linguistic perspective. And who doesn’t like to pick, just a bit. :-)
I always wanted to be multi-lingual, so I’m thinking I’ll beef up
- my college era French
- my travel oriented Italian
My potential additions include:
- Japanese — I read the James Clavell novel Shogun after watching the 1980 mini series and became interested when the language structure was explained to Anjin, the shipwrecked English navigator, during his lessons
- Chinese — haven’t decided whether to learn Cantonese or Mandarin, but if the rumors of China someday dominating the world should come true, I figure I’ll be ahead of the curve.
- One of the Nordic languages. I discovered I like Norse music and ballads during my annual video game immersion. While I was playing as a Viking for 2 months, unbeknownst to me, my husband stumbled across one of the the game sound track composers on YouTube (Wardruna) and found he really liked their music. What are the odds we would both discover the same music down 2 entirely unrelated paths! Has to be a sign.
- Icelandic — just because of the sounds.
These are my language candidates so far and I’m sure they will change as I dive in, but of course, eventually, I will need to speak to someone (hopefully, another linguistic adventurer who needs to practice) using my new skills.
