11 Truths You Definitely Know If You're Multilingual
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Truths You Definitely Know If You're Multilingual

So many perks, and just as many awkward moments...

156
11 Truths You Definitely Know If You're Multilingual
gaijinpot.com

Learning a language (or two, or three) other than your own is one of the most valuable things you can do to further your knowledge. Not only does it broaden your horizons, but it also opens up new opportunities for travel, friendships, and cultural understanding. Nevertheless, despite all of the wonderful perks that come with being bilingual or multilingual, there are some quirks that all of us have to deal with in our daily lives. Without further ado, here are some potentially awkward and also winning moments that people who speak multiple languages can relate to.

1. Thinking in one language and speaking in another.


Me pregunto si tienen tacos de barbacoa hoy... "Are y'all serving barbacoa tacos today?"

2. Easily switching between languages when talking to different people.

And sometimes not getting it right, which results in –

3. Forgetting to switch between languages.

And being all "Parissaming gihilla enne ('go and come back safely' in Sinhalese)" to your roommate as she walks out the door while telling your mother on Skype "Yeah mom I've done my laundry."

4. Often wishing that expressions were universally translatable.

Why is there no English word for "sobremesa" - a Spanish word for the act of sitting at the table after a meal and continuing the conversation - or "gogatsubyou" - a Japanese word for a temporary productivity slump that occurs after achieving a big goal - ?

5. Having a wider selection of literature and media products.

6. The uncertainty when a native tells you, "Your (insert language here) is so good!" in a surprised manner.

Is this a compliment or a micro-aggression? I can't tell...

7. Being called a snob for pronouncing the name of a foreign place or food correctly.

Excuse me for being able to pronounce "tamales" and "onigiri" correctly.

8. Having a preferred language for certain tasks.

I know people who write their to-do lists in one language, listen to music of mainly another language, and jot down notes for class in yet another (and not necessarily the language the class is taught in).

9. Being an impromptu translator.

Through which you have saved the day countless times.

10. Some people's utter confusion at how you can possibly speak a language that does not belong to your ethnicity.

Person: "Oh, you speak Spanish? But you don't look Latina!"

Me: *Can't even see person anymore because eyes have rolled to back of head.

11. Being able to overhear people talking about you in a language they don't expect you to speak.

So. Much. Fun.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

93846
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments