I just reflected on a similar experience I'm having in Italy (https://rootlessinitaly.substack.com/p/how-we-managed-to-build-a-life-in). I'm thankful that Italians are a bit more forgiving when it comes to foreigners learning their language, you are very brave for battling through French in Paris! Respect. 😌
I just bookmarked it to read! Thankfully most people I’ve encountered are fairly patient. I get a spicy person every once in a while like an impatient delivery person or customer service agent by phone 😅
Humor always does the trick. I am one of the fortunate people who easily learns languages. I'm pretty much bilingual in English and Dutch, and fluent in French and German. I get by in a few other languages including Italian and Spanish (that's the contribution of 6 years of latin in a catholic school). But for a Dutch native speaker these two languages are too close not to mix them up. Asking for burro (butter in Italian) in a tiny store in a village in Extremadura got the old lady wondering what on earth a perverse Belgian was planning to do with her donkey... From that moment on, I just introduced myself to her in perfect Italiol as Señor Mantequilla. I'm sure she'll remember me if I ever get back to the dehesa, the jamon, and the excellent wines of the 'land beyond the Douro'.
Humor is absolutely the answer! I’m so impressed you can keep track of that many languages. And I love it - Señor Mantequilla, she would remember that name.
Similarly to Italian/Spanish mixups, I knew enough Spanish that I couldn’t keep track what was the same as Portuguese and what was different. Thankfully, I’m picking up on French a lot faster though a Spanish or Italian word will still pop out every once in a while when I’m reaching for a word.
I am always scared about speaking Italian. I had a similar mix up when we were staying in an Agrigurismo and said “fica” instead of “fico” (I was trying to say fig but instead said 🐈)
I never though about how good it is for perfectionists to learn a new language. It’s humbling daily!!
And omg, another mix up that’s amusing at some point! I’m worried about mixing up canard (duck) vs connard (asshole) in French. I’ve probably already done it 🫣
This one made me laugh so hard, lol! Luckily the emphasis really is on the first bit of the word so you might just catch yourself while it's happening😂🦆.
Yep! It's not easy. You have to be kind to yourself. Definitely take the time to learn some key phrases, but, also understand your limits. You have two small children and work using the English language. If you were a single college student living in Paris to learn French, your language level would be higher. Most of the people I meet do not love the English language. They only learned it for work.
I’m laughing so hard at the ‘pao’ reference!! This made my day. Thank you.
In Italian, penne is pasta and pene is… 🍆 So be careful when you order penne pasta when in Italy! Just a heads up 😂 (Same with anno and ano…I’ll let you guess on that one.)
These nuances in learning another language make me smile. I have been embarrassed SO many times. All I can do is laugh at myself or with the waiter etc. Humor is a great resource when living abroad!
It's so true! I live in Thailand, and in Thai culture, it is common and accepted to laugh in the face of someone who is trying to speak their language. Very upsetting. Very much makes you want to never try to speak it again. But it's certainly made learning other languages in other countries easier since I don't have to worry about anyone laughing in my face there!
You definitely captured the feeling of panic in a new language. The stress! And then after you leave the situation, you remember how to say it perfectly, right? Haha ahhhh! You’ll get there. After 14 years in Italy, it’s now just the rare word I don’t understand - whereas when I arrived, it was MOST words!! It will happen for you too! Loved this piece ❤️
You always remember after you leave! It’s so true. I know it will get better with time and a lot of practice which feels like forever. Where are you in Italy?
Learning a new language requires humility but at the end of the day it is so rewarding !
Your post resonates a lot with my multiple experiences.
https://open.substack.com/pub/emanuelab/p/expanding-the-inclusion-room-a-multilingual?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3vhlfh
It requires so much humility!
Love your perspective on the page you sent over, just subscribed 💕
Super! Let's keep on touch
interesting piece, liked it...good insights. Commented and subscribed.
I’m delighted to have you here in The Inclusion Room!
Hahahahhahaha felt this
All the cringe of living abroad! 😆
I've lived on four continents and I cna 100% relate to the ups and downs
I hope it gets easier after four continents! Where are you based currently?
I'm currently in LA, but have lived in Boston, Spain, Perú, and grew up in Hong Kong 😊
I just reflected on a similar experience I'm having in Italy (https://rootlessinitaly.substack.com/p/how-we-managed-to-build-a-life-in). I'm thankful that Italians are a bit more forgiving when it comes to foreigners learning their language, you are very brave for battling through French in Paris! Respect. 😌
I just bookmarked it to read! Thankfully most people I’ve encountered are fairly patient. I get a spicy person every once in a while like an impatient delivery person or customer service agent by phone 😅
Humor always does the trick. I am one of the fortunate people who easily learns languages. I'm pretty much bilingual in English and Dutch, and fluent in French and German. I get by in a few other languages including Italian and Spanish (that's the contribution of 6 years of latin in a catholic school). But for a Dutch native speaker these two languages are too close not to mix them up. Asking for burro (butter in Italian) in a tiny store in a village in Extremadura got the old lady wondering what on earth a perverse Belgian was planning to do with her donkey... From that moment on, I just introduced myself to her in perfect Italiol as Señor Mantequilla. I'm sure she'll remember me if I ever get back to the dehesa, the jamon, and the excellent wines of the 'land beyond the Douro'.
Humor is absolutely the answer! I’m so impressed you can keep track of that many languages. And I love it - Señor Mantequilla, she would remember that name.
Similarly to Italian/Spanish mixups, I knew enough Spanish that I couldn’t keep track what was the same as Portuguese and what was different. Thankfully, I’m picking up on French a lot faster though a Spanish or Italian word will still pop out every once in a while when I’m reaching for a word.
I enjoyed reading this and got a giggle out of it. I love the stumbling that comes out of trying something brand new. As for tips dealing with the perfectionist you might enjoy this post https://open.substack.com/pub/getwellwithdanielle/p/living-with-your-inner-perfectionist?r=1wcy1e&utm_medium=ios
Thanks for reading! It’s been quite the amusing adventure to move somewhere new. I’ll definitely take a look at the post.
I completely get it. Immersion is truly the real teacher but know you're doing the best you can!
Exactly! We are all doing the best we can.
This headline ✨ 🔥
Thank you!!🙏🏻
Haha. The anxiety of unplanned conversations is so real!
Right?! How’s your Portuguese coming along?
My listening skills have definitely improved and in theory I know quite a few verb tenses, but I still freeze up and struggle with speaking.
I am always scared about speaking Italian. I had a similar mix up when we were staying in an Agrigurismo and said “fica” instead of “fico” (I was trying to say fig but instead said 🐈)
I never though about how good it is for perfectionists to learn a new language. It’s humbling daily!!
So humbling!
And omg, another mix up that’s amusing at some point! I’m worried about mixing up canard (duck) vs connard (asshole) in French. I’ve probably already done it 🫣
This one made me laugh so hard, lol! Luckily the emphasis really is on the first bit of the word so you might just catch yourself while it's happening😂🦆.
lol! So many ways to really mess up some words in every language
Yep! It's not easy. You have to be kind to yourself. Definitely take the time to learn some key phrases, but, also understand your limits. You have two small children and work using the English language. If you were a single college student living in Paris to learn French, your language level would be higher. Most of the people I meet do not love the English language. They only learned it for work.
Thank you for the kind reminder! And every time I get frustrated with the new language I'm learning, I think about how awful it is to learn English.
Are you learning Catalan or focused on Spanish right now? My years of Spanish helped get me by in Barcelona, but the mix with Catalan always threw me.
I'm trying to learn both! I take a Catalan class once a week, but at home I'm focused on Castellano.
I’m laughing so hard at the ‘pao’ reference!! This made my day. Thank you.
In Italian, penne is pasta and pene is… 🍆 So be careful when you order penne pasta when in Italy! Just a heads up 😂 (Same with anno and ano…I’ll let you guess on that one.)
These nuances in learning another language make me smile. I have been embarrassed SO many times. All I can do is laugh at myself or with the waiter etc. Humor is a great resource when living abroad!
It's so true! I live in Thailand, and in Thai culture, it is common and accepted to laugh in the face of someone who is trying to speak their language. Very upsetting. Very much makes you want to never try to speak it again. But it's certainly made learning other languages in other countries easier since I don't have to worry about anyone laughing in my face there!
Wow! That is so awful. Yeah, I don’t know if I’d do well with that. How long have you been in Thailand?
thanks for sharing....very true with trying to speak a different language and feeling anything from "don't dare" to "i did it!"
You definitely captured the feeling of panic in a new language. The stress! And then after you leave the situation, you remember how to say it perfectly, right? Haha ahhhh! You’ll get there. After 14 years in Italy, it’s now just the rare word I don’t understand - whereas when I arrived, it was MOST words!! It will happen for you too! Loved this piece ❤️
You always remember after you leave! It’s so true. I know it will get better with time and a lot of practice which feels like forever. Where are you in Italy?
Thank you for the encouragement and for reading!
You’re right a it’s a lot of practice. And ups and downs. You can do it! I live in Como - the main town on Lake Como in Italy!
Amazing! Como is on my list. I’ve spent some time in Italy, but haven’t made it there yet.
Give a shout when you do!