On language learning (PART 1):

I find when learning a new language, one must pass through phases in which to learn. Let me explain. Phase 1- trying to grasp the sounds and pronunciation, while trying to remember simple greetings.  In addition, when pronouncing and listening, it feels like you’re babbling like a child; and you have no reading skills yet. You are eager to learn everything you can, which is nearly impossible, but you feel like you can do anything; and staying positive helps you get through this “awkward phase” of not being conversational enough to use the language in order to practice it.

Phase 2- you’ve now mastered trying to remember “hello”, you learned the alphabet, so you can soundi out constants, and you know most of the important tenses-the rules at least!

Phase 3- you begin to read, which you do so ever so slowly, which makes you ashamed to admit you can read because then you will be called upon to read aloud…you are sounding out EVERYTHING! You neglect to congratulate yourself in this small milestone of beginning to read signs/advertisements, because you realize just how massive this language is and if you will ever become fluent!

Phase 4- You have finally mastered greeting and small-talk and you feel so far from talking about politics, philosophy…the important conversations you want to touch on (instead of the usual weather and food topics!), and you think you should be farther along by now…but you’re improving without realizing it and not giving yourself much credit; people either encourage or discourage you at this point. Don’t let them!