Best moments in foreign language learning
If you’re anything like me, the big achievements in language learning aren’t when you get good scores on your classroom tests. Sure, getting questions right is encouraging, especially in your most difficult areas (for me, listening), but for me, those aren’t the highlights.
Knowing the correct answer in the classroom is a huge distance away from knowing the correct responses in real life situations. I remember the feeling of satisfaction when I managed a whole conversation solely in a foreign language (yes, you can be extremely proud of yourself for that!). Or when I was half-listening to a PA announcement or TV news piece, and realised that I actually understood what was going on. Being able to help a friend learn new words and phrases, successfully showing people around a foreign city, and getting through bureaucratic red tape have also been very proud moments for me.
What have been your most memorable language-learning milestones?
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Aaron G Myers said,
March 21, 2011 @ 8:35 am
Ordering Pizza successfully over the phone.
Long conversations with new friends – that meant something to both of us.
Handling the telemarketer on the phone trying to sell me an upgrade on our internet connection.
Realizing I can read Harry Potter, enjoy it and not need to look up lots and lots of words.
We all need success eh? It sure helps me find more motivation.