Well, here I sit in an internet cafe and due to the wonders of technology, it's like sitting at home. Opening ceremonies today, along with the placement tests - classes begin tomorrow.
People are nice - but I miss my friends and B.
An comment from this morning's keynote speaker, who gave a presentation on "plurilingualism" not multi-lingualism. He said that we should think of foreign language acquisition as additive to our existing selves, rather than focusing so much on how limited we are in the foreign language itself. So that if I know only 5% of all the Polish of a native speaker, I should think of myself as 105% rather than 5% - the 5% as additive to my existing skills and the holistic 100% of my former self.
Is this just feel-good edu-speak, or is there something to be taken from it?
Posted by otto0114 at July 26, 2005 10:03 AMOh, I think there's more to it than feel good edu-speak. I know lots of folks who do research on language learning and identity who would tend to agree. Perhaps more US-Americans should study languages? It might make us better world citizens.
Posted by: Laurene at July 27, 2005 10:13 PMHi Hunny!
Miss you so far away in Pierogie-land :-(
Well, look at that... it appears that some people do indeed read your blog besides me!
Hi to all of you as well!
-B
Posted by: The Infamous "B" at July 28, 2005 02:32 PMThat's very interesting. In studying multiple languages I've found that even though I am not very fluent, I've had much greater experiences because of them. Especially when I can use a little bit of the language with complete strangers. For me there is definately a social benefit to learning other languages that enhances life. The other additive aspect of learning foreign languages is that it helps me understand my own language better.
Oh and then there is the feeling we have when we discover that we just understood something in someone else's native language without having to have it translated. Kind of like the feeling you had when you helped the French person understand what was being taught. I'd say that's at least worth 5%!!! ;-)
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