The Learning Project: Getting Started!
Welcome to my learning project journey!
When I heard about this project, I got very excited! There are always a million things to learn but so little time. I am happy there is an opportunity in this class to pick something you are interested in and learn about it! I started brainstorming to come up with a few options and settled on these two: learn how to play the piano and learn a new language. Both of these options sounded equally appealing to me but after some thinking I weighed pros and cons, and I decided to start learning a new language.
As I mentioned in my previous post, where I talked a little bit about myself and what I enjoy doing, travelling is a big part of my life. I like going to places I have never been before. Meeting and talking to people from different cultures is one of the best ways to learn about their traditions, local food and their lives. We are so used to chatting in our own language, of course, but when you travel that’s when you learn how to really communicate. My partner and I went to Colombia last summer, and I had a very hard time talking to local people because I did not know a single world in Spanish. I had to use hand gestures, facial expressions, and use the technology like google translate to helps me express myself but that’s not the same quality of communication. This summer we are going on another trip to Nicaragua where people mainly speak Spanish. I would really like to learn some Spanish so I can talk to local people and improve my travelling experience. All I know how to say in Spanish is “Cuánto cuesta?” which means “How much?”. I think it is an expression every tourist should know but it is not very helpful when you do not know the numbers.
Even though this is not my first time learning a new language, I still decided to do some research and look for tips and advice on what to start with when learning a new language. I found an online resource that talks about first 5 steps you should take to learn a new language.
Throughout this project, I will stick to the following plan and learn:
- The Alphabet and pronunciation.
- Numbers
- Greetings and introductions
- Basic sentences for ordering food in Spanish
- Asking for an understanding directions
- Frequently-used vocabulary
I have scheduled time for my learning project on Sundays starting from May 19th, 2024. My language goal is for me to be able order food at a restaurant, ask people how they are doing (and understand their responses), and be able to negotiate prices with street vendors and taxi cab drivers in Spanish.
Wish me luck on my learning journey!
8 thoughts on “The Learning Project: Getting Started!”
Hello Mariia!
That sounds amazing! I am so excited for you and your new project, choosing between learning the piano and a new language must have been tough since both are such rewarding pursuits. I am sure learning a new language will open up so many new opportunities and experiences for you. Can’t wait to hear about your progress and the fascinating things you will discover along the way! Good luck!
Hi Nicol!! 🙂 Thank you so much for visiting my ePortfolio and checking out my learning project post. I am also very excited to start this journey and I will keep you updated on my progress!
Hello Mariia! Your passion for travel is admirable. You leave me with the impression that your adventures are filled with vibrant experiences and authentic interest in learning different cultures. How inspiring it is to know that stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new environment can truly enhance your understanding of the world. The struggles you faced in Colombia with the language barrier must have been challenging, but it’s wonderful to see your determination in overcoming it and that you are determined to improve your communication skills for your upcoming trip to Nicaragua. Learning a new language can indeed open doors to new world connections and experiences. I believe that if you expand your Spanish vocabulary beyond “cuanto cuesta” would lead you to even more meaningful interactions and a deeper appreciation of the local culture. Maybe when you come back from Nicaragua, you’ll bring back wonderful memories and a handful Spanish phrases up your sleeve. I am so excited to hear more about your learning journey! Buena suerte!
Gracias 🙂 Thank you so much, Rowena!! I love your energy!! You are always so positive and friendly! I appreciate your kind words of encouragement! I am also very excited about this journey and I am looking forward to learning some Spanish and sharing my progress with everyone in the class!
Hi Mariia!
This sounds like an amazing project! It also seems like you have a good motivation due to your trip! I’m sure learning more of the language will improve many experiences of your trip. Goodluck with your learning project! I am excited to see how it goes!
Hi Hailey! Thanks for your thoughtful comment and I’ll keep you posted!!
Hey Mariia,
This project sounds exciting! Personally I am only fluent in English but have had experiences learning French and Michif and definitely understand how challenging it can be. I really like your language goals and they seem to be a good base of what you can reach during this class. Having the background of learning another language before will definitely help. Good luck in your journey, I am excited to follow along!
Hi Noah! Thanks for your comment! Good to hear that you’ve had experience learning new languages so you understand the challenge. I am sure that having a reason to learn a new language will keep me motivated 🙂 I am learning new things and already seeing results, so I’m enjoying the process! Thank you!