Learning A-Z

     My mom used to tell me stories about how my grandfather read the encyclopedia "for fun" as a child. Actually, I think there's a more extended version of this story where she admitted he was made fun of as a child so he didn't go out much and wasn't very social. I imagine he sat down to read the encyclopedia out of dedication and a desire to improve himself instead of just take crap from people. He ended up being a lawyer as well as a philanthropist, so I think he did well despite problems in his youth.



Nothing Petit about this Dictionary

     The desire to educate myself further FINALLY made sense when I returned to university in the summer of 2009. I realized I loved learning after all, especially now that I found my niche and was old enough to appreciate the application of education in my life. Though I think I have an okay vocabulary, I recognize in certain situations a greatly expanded vocabulary could make the difference between  an excellent conversation/paper/experience and one that is just so-so. This lead me to my decision and dedication to read my 'petit' Robert French College Dictionary from A to Zed.

    I wish I could get everyone to try to learn a foreign language to some proficiency. It's really humbling and I think is a wonderful common-ground maker for bilingual visitors to our country. I've had conversations with business owners who have limited English vocabulary; obviously they are exceptionally organized and intelligent to run a business, but their inability to 'make sense' in English leads some ignorant people to believe they're stupid. I realized mid conversation one day: I know a bit about a variety of subjects. I can hold really deep conversations... in one language. Now I'm getting better in my French, but if I went to Thailand and tried to expound on ANY idea, I'm going to sound like a complete moron.

"Do you know how to make Thai Food?"

"Kah, chawp gai yang, neu nam tok, laab, pad cee ew."

So that translates to: "Yes, I like barbecue chicken, beef salad, chicken salad and noodles..." because I don't know how to same make or Thai Food. VERY limited conversation there.

     Along that line of thinking my favorite language experience is blank staring at people as you try to understand what the hell they're saying. It immediately changes their body language and speaking patterns. They also seem to lose confidence in the ability to maintain a conversation. Ahh the joys of language learning.

    So, I'm reading my dictionary. it might make me a dork, but at least I'll learn something. I decided best method is to read one page a day, alternating letters so I don't just get stuck in "A" forever. So think A1, B1, C1... etc, then A2, B2, C2... etc. It's going to take forever, but I've got time! Already learned a few new words!

    Maybe if I've got time (and don't think I'll confuse myself too much), I'll try the same with Thai.

 Apologies if my language rantings are bothering anyone, I realize I've been talking about it a lot. Obviously it's important to me, and it's just what I've been musing on lately. School starts Tuesday (and the internship starts Wednesday!) so there's plenty more coming up to keep things interesting.