My Trajectory with 7 Languages

The first language I ever actively studied was Japanese. Let me just say, I was definitely not the brightest lightbulb in that class.

Then, I discovered the Italian language. It was the most accomplished feeling to be able to speak in Italian to Italians, rather than stumble about like an idiot (no one in Italy speaks anything other than Italian).

Over time, I discovered I actually enjoy learning languages, even grammar. Unsurprising, since I generally love learning anything.
I think most people love learning too, but different life environments and teachers can negatively impact that love.

From my experience, learning languages has changed my life for the better. Languages help in understanding new cultures and help people conjure more compassion within themselves for others that are different.

So, for those curious readers who are in a language learning journey, or are afraid and wonder ‘how do people do it?’, here’s a detailed account of my trajectory of language learning (ranked from the first language I’ve ever learned until the latest one I’ve learned) and my current goals.

In the future, I hope to speak at least 10 languages, for one because I like even numbers, but also because it’s very fulfilling.

I’ll be using the 5-step basic method that I talked about in my article about How I Learnt 7 Languages:

(MINDSET)>PURPOSE >METHOD>PLANNING>RESOURCES

Mindset:

Before you read this and think ‘this is impossible,’ or ‘I’m just not cut out to learn languages,’ let me promise you, it’s not impossible to learn a language.

If I did it, I’m positive almost anyone can. It’s not even impossible to learn many languages. Learning is a skill, and I think most people haven’t been taught how to actually learn, which was something that radically changed me and helped me with my language learning journey.

1- Arabic

Arabic is technically speaking, my mother tongue. It was the first language I learned orally through my parents and family, but it is definitely not my best language anymore. Because of the stark difference between traditional and dialect Arabic as well as not studying traditional Arabic, I can’t speak, write, or read traditional Arabic very well.

But, for the time being, it serves its purpose as I am fluent enough (in dialect) to use it to speak with friends and family, and I won’t need it for work.

In the future, it’s a beautiful and complex language that I definitely want to study.

Sadly, many Arabs going to international schools have poor Arabic as a result of unmotivating Arabic teachers — at least, that was my case. It totally turned me off the language growing up.

2- English

Although I didn’t speak it until I started school in the Middle East, it is by far my ‘best’ language. It’s my most native language.

It’s the language that I — mostly — think and dream in.

3- Japanese

Course 2 Years (JLPT5) → Stopped for 5 years → Intensive Private Tutor for One Month (with the purpose of speaking on my trip to Japan) → Stopped for 1 year → Currently Studying with Private Tutor (JLPT4)

Yes, it’s been about 10 years off and on with this language. Not all language learning is rainbows and ‘6-months to fluency,’ especially when the language is so far off your own.

Purpose:
-Be fluent enough to interact with people while staying in Japan — level JLPT N3.
-Enjoy it. It is incredibly fulfilling to learn such a unique and different language.

Method:
-Private lessons 1x per week

Planning & Resources:
-7x per week kanji review on WaniKani (60 –120 mins)
-2x per week to do homework and review (30–60 mins)
-3x per week practice writing with kanji textbooks (15–30 mins)
-3x per week practice JPDRILLS (15–30 mins)
-YouTube videos while cooking to brush up on various grammar lessons

Total time invested: Minimum of 2.5 hours (without WaniKani & weekly lesson)

* I spend at least 7 hours on WaniKani per week if not more because something like kanji needs repetitive daily work and I find it crucial to learning a language like Japanese/Chinese etc where there are characters that simply must be memorized.

full article here on Medium