Language is diverse in its essence, and has many different complex components. The use of language by an individual is often determined by that person’s culture and where that individual grew up. Even with that being said language in its self is always changing and redefined its self in order to make room for those things that at one time were not socially accepted, or consider norms.
This is my first blog and the assignment is to write about a time when I felt the power of language. I am 25 years and 13 days old today and I have to say it took me 22 of my 25 years to realize how powerful you could be when you have the knowledge of another language. It had to have been my third semester at Antelope Valley College, which was fall 2007. This Semester I decided to register into elementary Spanish, now I have to tell you that I only took this class to satisfy my requirements in order to transfer. When the class began I had the same attitude as most students I know, which is usually I hope this class isn’t boring and hard. (L.O.L).The Professor came into class and was very vocal and her charisma was overwhelming. She spoke to us for about five minutes at the beginning of the class in complete Spanish. The vast majority of the class sat there in seats in awww trying to figure out what she was saying. For the few that did understand what she was saying it was fairly easy for them to keep up and follow along with the question that were presented to us. She finally spoke to us in English and explained to us the course objectives along with her expectations and school academic policies. The Professor did everything in her power to reassure us that by the end of the semester with effort, those who wanted to be fluent would be able to achieve that. Professor Shaheen was very persuasive.
The class progressed and I began to enjoy it more than I had imagined. Professor Shaheen made learning a new language fun. She had different ways of teaching the language to nonnative speakers because she herself was nonnative speaker of the language. I learned a lot during the class, and maintained a high c average during the semester and subsequently got a B. Anxiety struck when finals week came and the final assignment was to have a full conversation with the instructor in Spanish. I was going through it but at the same time I felt that I should know most of the question that would be presented to me within the conversation. When my day finally came I was so nervous, I walked in to her office and almost went blank. The questions started immediately, I was almost overwhelmed before I remembered to take a breath. The session went on for about fifteen minutes; afterward she tallied up a score sheet and congratulated me on passing her class. At that moment, I was elated to here that, and I had a big Kool-Aid smile on my face. I walked out the classroom and immediately tried communicating to the first person I thought spoke Spanish. It didn’t take long for me to find someone this is California, I greeted the person by saying “hola” they then responded and from there we shared about fifteen words. The person knew that I was a beginner and was patient with me. That conversation was so empowering I felt as if I could communicate with all those who could speak Spanish. The feeling of being able to cross the language barrier gave me a confidence that I did not have prior to taking this class. I was able to have basic communication with someone other than the usual people that I had been speaking with my whole life. I continued on to Professor Shaheen Spanish 102 where I got a further and broader understanding of the Spanish Language ass whole and the many different transition that it has gone through since its origins. Im glad I acquired this skill and I am fortunate to be able to share this experience with you all
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Your blog was very interesting to read as everything flowed and kept me fascinated. Your analysis of language is the same way I feel about its importance. I agreed with you when you tied language to one’s culture. I also believe that the way one speaks comes from his heritage and family’s past. Language IS constantly changing and that also results in the change of one’s background. Different languages are very important to know, especially in America where the diversity is so immense. The account you had with your Spanish class was also inspiring. I too am not a native Spanish speaker and I have taken three years of Spanish during high school. I do not remember any of it and I feel the need to learn it in a country where Spanish is continuously used. The encounter you had with the Spanish speaking person is also interesting on the way it took place. It’s very motivational to know that there are individuals who understand those who are trying to learn a new language. Your experience and how you appreciate the language, as a non native Spanish speaker, has empowered me to also consider taking Spanish classes at Antelope Valley College. With your perseverance and dedication, I am positive you will be able to speak the language with minor difficulty.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point about language always changing and being redefined. There are so many different languages. It amazes me how language even came about. My friends and I have tried for years to develop our own language when we were younger so that our parents and the people around us could not understand the things we were saying. I must admit your age brought a smile to my face not the 25 years old but the 13 days. My mother always told me after 21 there is nothing to look forward too. Since I was younger I was always excited to put the “and a half” at the end of my age for example 15 and a half. Now that I am 20 the need is just not there anymore. I found it humorous though that you did and it is cool. Your not alone when you say it took you this long to realize the power of language, I am in the same boat. I recently snapped out of my selfish world and noticed other things in reality. I too wished to join a Spanish class but unfortunately it just did not fit my schedule, luckily my boyfriend and his family are bilingual and have tried to help me learn the other language. Your Spanish class may help you to understand the power of language but it may also help you in the long run with jobs as many people hope for bi lingual people.
ReplyDeleteWell, I must say you give me some motavation to learn another language. Good job on going through the classes and absorbing the language. I struggled with spanish in high school, and I contemplated taking it at AVC but I suppose I got scared away. I would love to be able to obtain the extra information, not to mention the job opportunities that could await. Also for communication in genral, we do live in southern California, and found many times I've needed to know some spanish. When I used to work at a gas station, my mexican customers would try to teach me word by word. Yet nothing I could really use, cerveza will only get me so far. Haha. Anyway kudos on your espanol, nice blog, and good luck with english :)
ReplyDeleteHey Kevin,
ReplyDeleteYour experience is very fascinating. I agree with the point you made about language, it is diverse in its essence and has many different complex components. Language is the expression that human communication is dealing with: knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. It comes in many shapes and forms. We all learn different languages to communicate with one another and to understand different cultures. When I took 2 years of Spanish in High School, I encountered the same experience that you did. I was completely lost the first day of class and afraid I thought to myself that I will not be able to pass this class. Luckily, I had a friend in class who is bilingual in Spanish and English. He tutored me and I also received extra help from the teacher. I finished the class with a B. At the time, I have realized that the important thing is to be able speak another language different than mine. I could use the skill of being bilingual in my future career to help people who need translations about certain things and it is important for socializing and learning about their culture. To be honest, now that I'm in college I completely do not remember any words of Spanish. I just haven’t had the time to practice and continue to read about Spanish. My education plan does not allow me to have that much free time, I do not have enough time to take Spanish again. But if I have the opportunity to do so, I want to get my Spanish speaking skills back. Being bilingual will give you an advantage and it will allow you to do great things in life. I’m very impressed with your thoughts and experiences; your determination will inspire others and me to pursue and make the world better.