Why you don’t have to regret having dropped language learning after high school
Tuesday, 4th August 2009
Geometry, Chemistry, Spanish - 3 core classes that are part of any High School curriculum, but three you were certain you wouldn’t use in every day life after you graduated.
You don’t remember what a quadriatic equation is, you have a horrible memory of burning your hair in a Bunsen burner, but how come you still remember that cinturon means belt and anoche means last night?
Stop wondering what you could have done had you stayed with your Spanish and throw yourself back into it! It’s just like riding a bike. You can hop back on anytime, especially as there are weekly evening classes being offered that won’t put too much pressure on you.
Take an online test on the Cactus Language website to see what level you’re at – you’ll remember more than you thought you did! Start with a refresher course which will enable you to slowly converse with a handful of fellow students, then move on from there when you think you’re ready. That is the beauty of continuing education classes – no pressure, go at your own pace, stick with the same teacher or move on to someone new. Meet like-minded people who also regret not following through with their school’s second language program. Soon you’ll be ordering Albondigas at the local Tapas restaurant and not be wondering what they are.
Re-take up Spanish (or whichever language you were taught in school, whether it be French, German, etc) because language and communication indirectly forces us to be social. Knowing another language opens up doors for all of us, for example, by having a new understanding for foreign authors, music, and film. It may even influence you to take a vacation in Mexico or Spain just so you can practice what you’ve recently gained.
So stop regretting the time you wasted and look into re-taking up the language you learned in school – it’s never too late to set yourself a language learning challenge!
Tags: language learning, course, evening class, spanish
Posted by Jessica Wingate 2009-08 under Attitudes to Language Learning,
Permalink
