Yes, it is an intimidating task to learn a language, especially alone. It is not a magic trick, but it has been done before—by many, in fact!—and adults are better at it than we’ve been led to believe.
If there was one positive that followed us out of lockdowns, it was the return of the hobby. I, like many, dabbled in a few. First there were puzzles, which I gave up very quickly. Then website design, which I soon talked myself out of, and then, finally, yoga which actually stuck. By the time lockdown ended for me in 2021 and life was un-paused, I was well and truly in my “hobby era.”
I immediately downloaded Duolingo and switched on subtitles during my nightly Netflix binge, making it through a few blissfully self-satisfying weeks before realizing I was in over my head. Where puzzles, design, and yoga had easy wins, learning a language was not so bite-sizable. There was no finished product after a few months of work I could brag about to my friends and family; instead, the more Italian I learned, the less it seemed like I knew.
Nearly a year into my relationship, my partner introduced me to his father over FaceTime. From all the way across the globe on his summer’s day in Northern Italy, down to my rainy Sydney afternoon, we spoke in broken Itanglese. The conversation was short, as we both quickly reached our capacity for understanding the other.
Newly inspired, I persevered and made the choice to commit. I dropped Duolingo for a paid app that doesn’t intimidate you into participation with endless notifications. I swapped TV subtitles for a handy book called, which I transcribe in bed. And, I put a temporary pause on learning grammar, going against the grain and deciding to save the worst for last.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Lord Danbury Isn't In Bridgerton (But Why He's So Important)Lord Danbury's importance to Bridgerton explained.
Read more »
Wolverine's Claws Get a Body-Horror Upgrade Thanks to New Dark Phoenix PowersWhy stop at six claws?
Read more »
I stopped binge-watching Netflix and it's the best decision I ever madeI stopped binging Netflix shows, and I couldn't be happier - here's why I did it and why I don't plan on canceling Netflix.
Read more »
Why some of today's hottest pop songs aren't in EnglishThe music industry is going increasingly global, with songs from artists like Peso Pluma, Shakira, Bad Bunny and BTS landing in the Top 10.
Read more »
Why the Toronto Blue Jays are dark horse World Series contendersThe Blue Jays provide value as a long shot to win the World Series.
Read more »
Why The Matrix's Smith Is So Much Weaker After RevolutionsAgent Smith never fully recovered.
Read more »