Tag: Learning

Posted in life

English and Français

Posted on by Dede

Which languages do you speak and how did that impact your life?

I am a native English speaker and I’m very saddened to know America doesn’t encourage or promote learning another language. In reading the prompts most native English speakers speak only English unless they grew up in a dual language household. One language gives you only one way to see things. And honestly, while I make grammatical errors, the quality of English spoken in America gets worse and worse everyday.

A professor told me speaking another language lets you see the world through different eyes. I have always remembered his words.

Where I live I need to speak Spanish. Half of my grandkids’ school are Spanish speakers and many are enrolled in English as a second language. I’d love to take a course but can’t find one that works with my work schedule

At the age of eleven I started learning French in school. I stopped at the age of 14.5 yrs old. Entering college I started the language journey again and took French classes for three years. I wanted to study abroad but my dad said we couldn’t afford it. He said pick a major and graduate. I’ve regretted not finding a way to go abroad because honestly I think I would have returned upon graduation and stayed abroad.

As an adult I began again at the Alliance Français in Dallas. For my 40th birthday, I spent a week at a language school. And post divorce I spent 3 months at a language school. I watch French tv, movies and do language apps on my phone. I do not speak fluently and need people to speak slowly so I can understand them. However my love affair with the French language continues.

J’ai une belle vie. ❤️

Posted in life

University learning

Posted on by Dede

What colleges have you attended?

I went to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I lived at home and worked the entire 5 years until I graduated.

Unlv.edu

When I went to UNLV it had about 5,500 students. It now has over 33,000 enrolled students. Its hospitality program is one of the best in the country.

I also went to the Institut de Touraine. It’s a language school located in Tours, France. There were students from all over the world enrolled.

Institut de Touraine

I was there 3 months. They offered separate tours and cooking classes. I lived in a small studio apartment.

I’ve also attended a couple of community colleges in the Dallas area and I attended Alliance Française in Dallas for a couple years.

I am someone who loves to learn and I believe I’ll be learning until the day I die.

Posted in Blogging, Blogging101, Learning, Uncategorized

Learning as I go

Posted on by Dede

Okay folks. Thought I had this blogging thing down but apparently not. My upbeat blog, as opposed to this one which tends to be depressing can now be found at A Fresh New Life

Posted in Learning, Uncategorized

Learning again

Posted on by Dede

I started another informal class at the University of Texas tonight. It’s a French class and for beginners. I’ve taken French off and on for years but I’ve never been able to get beyond beginner.

I asked myself why and the answer is simple. It’s fear. Fear of sounding dumb. Fear of being laughed at. Fear of being tongue tied and making people frustrated. Fear. It’s why kids learn languages so quickly. They aren’t afraid of trying. They don’t worry about what other people think.

The class is too easy in some ways but when I try a group where people are fluent, I can’t keep up. So I have to find a way to learn and progress. I also have to walk a fine line and not be overbearing in this class. It’s easy to want to answer the questions because you know the answer. But I know how it feels to be totally lost in translation with people speaking at what sounds like lightening speed. 

So as I give it a shot again, I hope it sticks and I don’t forget it and I hope I no longer worry about sounding stupid.