Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash
By Federica Lupis, https://www.federicalupis.com/
Author of "Fluent On The First Try" and "Why You're Not Fluent and How To Fix It"
Language trainer, interpreter and translator.
For the second year in a row, I had the chance to interview Miss Nyuz Letter, the guru of language learning.
Here are the highlights of our conversation. Enjoy!
Nyuz! Thanks for coming back! How have you been?
Busy, but full of energy! After three years, I finally saw my family in Italy, and I feel reborn!
That’s great to hear! I imagine you had lots to catch up on while having some great food and wine. I’m jealous!
Haha! I definitively had too much food and now Christmas is coming…If I don’t stop eating, I’ll be rolling like a ball soon!
Haha! Speaking of Christmas… I think most people are in a good mood right now. With the new year we can have a fresh start and are excited by our New Year's resolutions. Any advice on what learners should include on their list?
Just one. Be a Tortoise! I often see ads trying to sell the idea that you can become fluent in a few months and let me tell you… that’s impossible! Unless you have nothing else to do and you go into beast mode…
That’s so true. When we learn a language, we often become so impatient that we behave like a hare. We try to get things done quickly but then burn out and quit before the finish line…
Exactly. My advice for your New Year’s Resolution is to set aside 15 minutes a day to do something to improve your language skills. Build a routine and improve your abilities gradually and with patience. Be the tortoise that beats the hare!
I agree, but sometimes life gets in the way, and we can’t stick to our plan. What shall we do in this case?
Well… first of all, don’t be harsh on yourself. Stuff happens… If you can’t stick to your plan and start pointing out everything that is wrong with what you’re doing, you’re going to do less and less. Who wants to learn a language when their inner voice is constantly slamming them for not being ‘perfect’? Give yourself a break and start looking at what you are doing right!
Yes, I guess pointing out everything that is wrong is a dangerous path, because it could lead you to giving up learning a language, but what else can we do?
I think you need to be proactive. That’s the only thing that will make you feel better. If you haven’t practiced a foreign language as much as you would have liked, sit down and do something as soon as you think about it. I mean it! Read an article, watch a YouTube video or open Duolingo and use the foreign language. It will be like giving a lollipop to a child. You will immediately feel better and realize that you don’t need to sit at your desk for hours to improve your skills. You can do it in small doses, whenever it comes to your mind.
That’s true. Every time I don't stick to my plan, if I do something, no matter how small, I immediately feel better, and it gets me back into the rhythm and my learning routine.
Okay, now let’s move into a lighter topic. Last week I was at a party, and somebody asked me if I think that my personality changes when I speak a foreign language. What do you think?
I think that’s the case. My partner once told me that I went from Anna Faris, the funny actress from Scary Movie, to Nicole Kidman, the sophisticated actress from Eyes Wide Shut, when I switched between Spanish and French. Apparently, when I speak Spanish, I’m more open and euphoric. When I speak French, I become calm and collected as if I were walking the red carpet.
Hahaha! That’s hilarious! Why do you think is that?
There’s a lot of research pointing to the way we perceive the culture associated with a given language. Apparently, it can affect our behaviour. It’s something that I’ve started to notice in other people after my partner pointed it out.
So how can the readers know if they “benefit from a split personality”?
Well… first, they should think about when they speak their first language. What adjectives describe them best? Are they introverted? Charismatic? Diplomatic?
And then they should think about when they speak a foreign language. Would they still choose the same words? I bet they’ll find that at least one of their personality traits changes!
I totally agree. What about our accent when we speak a foreign language? Do you think we should get rid of it?
I’m curious. What do you think?
To me there’s no right accent. As long as people understand what you’re saying, that’s all that matters.
10 out of 10. I don’t have anything else to add to it.
Oh! You made me blush, but I shouldn’t get distracted. I still have a few questions before I let you go.
Shoot!
Okay. Many learners, including myself, struggle to talk because they panic when they don’t know a word. Is there a way around it?
For sure. First you should ask yourself if you can use another word with a close meaning. For example, someone who’s learning English may find it difficult to remember the word ‘suitable’. The word ‘good’ is a much easier alternative and synonym.
Using the word ‘suitable’ may indicate a better mastery of the language, but for the purpose of communication does it really matter how ‘polished’ your language is?
Yes and from your YouTube videos I’ve learnt that you can also use a definition instead of the word that you can’t remember. For example: “the machine you use to cut the ham” instead of “slicer”.
Maybe next year I should interview you!
Ops…I got excited, but it felt so good to find out that we have a way out when we’re short for words.
Okay, we’re approaching the end of the interview. I just have one more question that I think may help the readers with their plans for this summer. Do you think it’s worth learning a language abroad?
You kept the million-dollar question for the grand finale!
Look, it all depends on your choices. It’s as simple as that. If you go to Italy and speak English with your fellow classmates all the time, it will be hard to improve. You need to make a conscious effort to speak the foreign language outside the class, in everyday situations.
I understand what you mean, but if I’m travelling with my partner, it’s going to be hard.
Well… in that case, come up with ideas to hang out with the locals. It can be as easy as going to a cafe or library by yourself. Ask for the best cake on the menu or the latest books, and I’m sure this will be the perfect start to a conversation in the foreign language. If you’re more adventurous, you can visit Meetup.com and meet the locals in your area. This platform was created to allow people with the same interests, hobbies, and professions to get together. Wouldn’t it be great to discuss something you are passionate about in a foreign language?
It would be awesome! Thanks, Nyuz. You’re a rock star!
The time has come to say goodbye. Can’t wait to hear more from you in the new year!
And thank YOU, my precious reader, for sharing this year with me.
I hope my Nyuz Letter has helped you progress in your efforts to learn a new language!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!
See you next year!
Federica
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