After four weeks of living in Madrid, Spain I am quickly learning to cognitively maneuver between English and Spanish. But, not every time is successful. Here are 5 ways living between two languages has affected me.
1. Forgetting Words In My Native Language
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In class, my professor will introduce new vocabulary and explain each word in Spanish; he then asks what the word is in English. And I blank. I completely understand what he’s defining but the word in English is G.O.N.E.
2. Now Identifying my Language as: Spanglish
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I don’t speak English 24/7 nor do I speak Spanish 24/7. I can be in mid-sentence and all of a sudden switch languages.
3. I Think About English Differently, especially while writing it
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Story Time: My Mom texted me and asked about how my day was so far and I responded with: “It’s been long! We have been studying all day for our exam that we have tomorrow. Now we are off to the movies for a class trip!” That by no means is a normal way to text, at least for me. And there was only one contraction! I definitely was thinking in Spanish and translated it to English, or whatever you’d call that.
4. Adopting Spanish Gestures and Expressions
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While Spaniards tell stories it is your job as the listener to be expressive, attentive, and animated. So, I now am very dramatic when someone talks to me even in English!
5. Being More Confident
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As I am trying to use any moment I can to speak Spanish, I have become even more so talkative! On the metro I like when I meet someone who engages in a conversation with me, or between classes when students from other countries who still speak English like to speak Spanish with me. So, learning a new language has definitely made me gain confidence and comfortability communicating with others.
