6/26/2020

She Makes Comics About Language Learning

Everyone has a certain way they blossom when learning languages. We all have our own language learning problems and dramas. Spring is no different. As a language connoisseur, she loves to take bits and pieces of languages and expound on them with her own way of learning language. She also expresses her musings in the form of a comic strip. Read more to find out her language learning techniques and why you don’t have to be “good at language” to be good at language.

BGLL:

Spring: My name is Spring Nicole Johnson and my native languages are English and Ebonics (I like to call it African American Pidgin. It really is a totally different language!). I have a TEFL certificate and currently work as an ESL tutor and Professional Artist. I was doing Caricature drawing for live events, but now, due to our new normal of social distancing, I am venturing into teaching art classes.

One of the things, I am most proud of is my family, because they really are great people. I have been married for 20 years and have two boys, aged 11 and 14. My 14-year-old even made up his own language, with a dictionary and phrasebook (seriously)!

BGLL: What languages do you know?

Spring: It is always hard for me to say which languages I know. That depends on what we mean by "know". I sometimes forget, myself. Because there is always an ebb and flow. I use whatever languages are useful to me at the moment, meaning what helps me to communicate with people I want to get to know in my community. Currently, the foreign languages I use are Burmese, Kayah Li and a little Haitian Creole from time to time. 

The volunteer work I do plays a big part in my reasons for learning a language. I mostly use my languages to teach people about the bible. But I also just really love the sound of words. I was an early talker and reader. I can't stand it when I hear people speaking a language I don't understand. So, if I shop somewhere often and I find a store clerk who speaks a foreign language, I usually ask how to say something in their language and, each time, I build on those phrases and maybe do some self-study. I am addicted to the reaction I get, when they hear a foreigner speak their language. I love to make people smile!

BGLL: What opportunities were you able to take advantage of because of your language?

Spring: I have worked in bilingual customer service because I know Spanish. It also looks very good on resumes. I have gotten jobs that in which I might not have otherwise qualified because I spoke Spanish.  I have also had the opportunity to work as a Spanish medical interpreter. But what was the biggest pay off, is having friends that I would not have been able to know if I did not speak Spanish. 

BGLL: How did you learn the other languages? What made you want to learn those languages?

Spring: I didn't realize it until I started analyzing myself that I have a method. It starts when I meet a person who has an accent and I ask them what language they speak. From there, it goes just like I stated above. I ask for phrases and then go study a little if I can, and ask for more phrases. 

I am motivated by my curiosity about people. I refer to myself as a culture junkie, because I want to know about how other people from other parts of the world live, eat, dress and think. I love to mix what I have learned from different cultures (like Kimchi tacos). You would think I have travelled a lot, because I know random things about different cultures. But actually, I have never been outside of the United States!

BGLL: Did you ever feel shy to speak? How did you overcome that?

Spring: Yes! I am an introvert. My heart races many times when I approach someone to practice a language I am learning. Many times, I have shied away. But I always think about the fact that they are like me, trying to learn another language (English) and be good at it. So, they understand. I have had very few occasions where my fear has come true: The person seems indifferent and ignores my attempt to speak their language. Most of the time, they are happy to hear their own language, the language of their heart, even if it is being butchered by a foreigner. 

BGLL: What was your hardest struggle with language and how did you overcome it?

Spring: MY hardest struggle is that I am naturally undisciplined and have some ADHD tendencies. It is hard for me to sit down and study with a text book. I can study for hours, but not consistently. So, I recently decided that I am only going to study based on interactions I have with people. For example, a friend of mine who is learning Thai, wanted to get me on board too. Honestly, I tried to dive in with learning all the technical stuff, but then I asked myself, "How are you actually going to use the language?" I thought about the fact that I don't come across many Thai people where I live, so the only time I will see them is probably when I go shopping 40 minutes away where my friend lives. So, I stuck to learning a few greetings and I also learned how to say "it's delicious" (Aroy Maak). This was enough to have a positive interaction with a lady who owns the Thai store where I shop. Mission accomplished!

BGLL: Which of your foreign languages are your favorite and why?

Spring: They are like my children. How can I pick a favorite? I love them for different reasons. Ethiopian Amharic, for the rhythmic way it rolls off of the native tongue and introducing me to the eskista (shoulder dance) and some of the sweetest and most beautiful people ever!

Spanish, for the flavorful culture and cuisine (I make my own tortillas) and the simple, but dramatic way you can express things. It is also super useful in the states!

Burmese, for introducing me to a whole new world of culture, I never knew existed. People who go out of their way to show hospitality. Call each other uncle, auntie, brother and sister and greet each other by saying, "auspiciousness to you!" (Mingalaba).

Kayah Li because it is simple to learn, but you must learn from natives or no one will understand you. So, I feel like I have some sort of superpower. Also, the Kayah Li (or Karenni) people are quiet and humble people who always want to share with you. I am happy to have met a friend who speaks Burmese as her second language and she is teaching me her native Kayah Li. I feel so privileged!

French, for helping me to pronounce those fancy words that we say in English the wrong way LOL!

Haitian Creole, for being the fun and zany cousin of French. And there are no extra letters. It is strictly phonetic, which I love. Also, the Haitian people welcome you with open arms. 

Hawaii Pidgin, because it is the language that me and my family happened upon and now, we speak it at home as if it were our own language. It has many similarities with the way I spoke at home growing up.

BGLL: What’s something that language has taught you?

Spring: You don't have to be "good at languages” to learn a foreign language. I think each person can bring their own strengths to it. My strength is my love of words, rhythm and culture. Think of what your strengths are and bring that to the table to make language learning fun and totally worth it!

BGLL: What are 3 tips you can offer those who are trying to learn another language?

Spring:  Find the people first. You'll learn a lot easier and keep your motivation when you learn BECAUSE of people you want to know better. 

Also, if something is not working for you, but it works for other people, don't be afraid to abandon it. Your time is not irreplaceable and too precious to spend on methods that don't serve you well. For example, lots of people like Anki, but so far, it is not a great method for me.

Be sure to listen in your target language. I like music and I also like to watch shows that are in just about every country, like Idol, The Voice and the Got Talent franchise. Even if you don't understand, you'll hear the same words and phrases over and over and learn the rhythym of the language. 

BGLL: How can we keep up with you on social media?

Spring:  You can find my art on Instagram and Facebook @springmakesart and my language learning chronicles on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook under Nicole The Linguaphile. I also like to make comics about language learning @shespeakswhat.

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6/19/2020

She Initially Learned Mandarin to Teach

Meet Davida Moore, a healthcare industry professional who initially learned Mandarin to be able to teach. Read on to discover what her journey was like learning Mandarin, spending two months in China and her language tips for Mandarin learners.

BGLL: Thank you so much for sharing your story. Tell us about yourself.

Davida: My name is Davida Moore. I’m black and born and raised in Detroit, MI. My native languages are Standard English & AAVE. I have a BA in East Asian Languages & Cultures with a concentration in Mandarin & Chinese culture and a minor in geography from Michigan State University. I am currently employed as a Workforce Administration Coordinator with an online healthcare & IT training school called MedCerts. I oversee enrollment and invoicing for our department that works with workforce offices across the country.

I also work for a close friend’s commercial cleaning franchise, where we control sanitation of different places such as offices, medical facilities, daycares, etc.

BGLL: What opportunities were you able to take advantage of because of your language?

Davida: I was able to study abroad for two months in China in 2008. Living in China for 2 months was an experience in itself. They are not used to seeing Black people there. On at least 4 different occasions, complete strangers came up to me for a picture. People stopped what they were doing and stared at me everywhere I went. I was the only Black person in our group of about 30. The only other person that got more attention was the redhead in our group. Let it have been a moment when I spoke Mandarin—they freaked out! They did not think I was American. In fact, one of my roommate’s tutors asked her if I was going back to Africa when everyone else went back to America. My whole time there, I saw 5 other Black people—3 were Ethiopian (I saw them on a weekend trip to Beijing at the Forbidden City) and the other 2 were Black Americans (I saw them at this dive bar we found a few blocks away from Nankai University’s campus—VERY random for them to be there.) Imagine me, with limited knowledge in words for hair care, trying to explain to a Chinese man with limited knowledge on hair and English, how my hair was braided like it was at the time! It was a very interesting time in China to say the least. I learned a lot about them and myself. I am most proud of not officially giving up on myself and getting to the point in my life where I am now; there were some dark years to overcome.

BGLL: Would you ever consider living there?

Davida: No, I cannot see myself living over there, especially now with not only the pollution issues (which I saw firsthand in the host city, Tianjin), but knowing a bit about their current transactions on the African continent. These transactions are not always in favor of the people native to the lands as well as other human rights issues in China.

Just recently, a classmate of mine from high school was released from prison in China after 4 years all due to a fight a man picked with him that he defended himself in. They knew from the other man admitting that he started it that my classmate was only defending himself, but they did not care. That still does not sit well with me.  I will definitely visit again, as the geographer and historian in me loves the ancient cultural sites and the stories, but cannot be sure about a life there.

BGLL: What other languages do you speak?

Davida: I can speak Mandarin and some French. I was initially going to use my languages to become a teacher in the Detroit Public School system after graduation, due to the loan forgiveness scholarship I was on.

BGLL: How did you learn Mandarin & French? What was it like?

Davida: Keep in mind I was usually the only Black person in my Chinese classes once I was at MSU. My high school was 98% Black, but only 1 other classmate of mine went on to take Chinese after high school and she did not major in it. I was, and still am, a unicorn so to speak.

I am still not sure how I was able to learn both French and Mandarin at the same time. It was a requirement of my program, so we all made it work. At M.L. King High School, the program I chose was called CISC, the Center for International Studies and Commerce. You either chose to take business courses or Mandarin with another language. I chose Mandarin initially because I like Chinese food. I chose French because I didn’t like the Spanish teacher; turns out, she spoke both Spanish & French and decided to switch to French that year. Luckily, she got a better job and left the school, haha. These were the thoughts of a 14-year-old. I continued taking Mandarin in college, because I thought I could go further with it than French, and there was no other subject that I thought I would be willing to study and teach.

BGLL: What did you struggle with the most on your language learning journey?

Davida: My hardest struggle with Mandarin to this day is memorizing characters in order to read and write. Everything is practice, but it is easier to remember pinyin (Romanticized writing with tones noted for English learners to learn characters) than it is to remember characters; there is no alphabet. Each character has a different meaning. So, one small line could make a word mean something completely different, or mean nothing at all. I have yet to overcome this challenge; as stated, it is all practice. Sometimes however, rote memorization takes over and that is not necessarily good.

BGLL: Did you ever feel shy to speak? How did you overcome that?

Davida: I do still feel very shy speaking to Mandarin speakers (and even around people that have no clue what I’m saying). They always tell me my enunciation is good, but sometimes I feel like they are just being nice as “being nice” is something that is a part of their culture. Other times, I feel they mean it because they are surprised that any American has taken the time to learn Mandarin, as it is a difficult language for English speakers to learn and not many will learn it in America.

BGLL: Which of your foreign languages is/are your favorite and why?

Davida: I would say Mandarin but, truthfully, I lost my zeal for it midway through my senior year of college. While I was in China, I was very discouraged by the lack of language we had learned and how they sort of held our hands, in that we always had someone that would speak English to us. While we were there, my class was on the year 3 textbook, but we finished it and started the year 4 textbook as well. Year 4 is as high as MSU teaches. I flipped to the end of the book, and the closing statements from the author stated something along the lines of “we still did not learn enough characters to read an everyday Chinese newspaper”. I spoke to our professor/program director (she had come to China with us) and all she said to do was study. That was so disheartening to me. When we got back home, we started the year 4 book (which as a class, we’d completed half the book while in China) and did not have much more supplemental information after that. The professor my senior year was not helpful, and we actually complained to the dean about her. All of these issues sadly turned me off from Mandarin and China in general. I did not feel right within, going back home to Detroit with lax tools to teach students who already had so much to go against. They didn’t need me adding to that.

I do hope, however, that in me sharing my story, I get the spark back in me to keep going! I spent 9 years studying Mandarin, and while I may be rusty, some things I just will never forget about. It is still deep within me.

BGLL: What are 3 tips you can offer those who are trying to learn another language?

Davida: My first recommendation: do NOT be like me! If you love something, go for it! Mandarin is hard, French was not easy though it is easier than Mandarin because it is a Romance language that much English is borrowed from. But they are BOTH worth learning! You open your mind so much more just from learning how other people think—even on such a basic level as sentence structuring.

Another thing I would recommend, do NOT beat yourself up about it as you’re learning! Americans have a weird reputation abroad—it depends on who you talk to, but many people expect us not to learn any other languages over English. So, when you learn something, go speak it! They will appreciate you trying, and can be open to teaching you too!

Finally, have FUN! Once upon a time, I loved learning both my languages. I had teachers that tried to make it fun for us to learn. If you’re learning on your own, make it fun. There are no grades to be worried about. You can decide what you want to focus on, instead of learning random lessons about how to say “rocket ship” in Mandarin, which would be good if I were working for NASA, but I have yet to use that phrase in any time speaking Mandarin.

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6/12/2020

She Empowers Women Globally

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, a leader of a women’s hiking group as well as empowering women worldwide online, Nandi also uses Spanish to connect with others in her community locally. Check out the rest of the article to find out more about her language learning journey and her language learning tips.

BGLL: Welcome Nandi! Thank you so much for sharing your language learning journey with us. Tell us about yourself.

Nandi: My name is Nandi Bose'De Person, I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I’m African American, my native language is English and I speak Spanish. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Business Administration. I am currently serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica.  I am a youth developer and the majority of my projects focus around girl empowerment and parent support. I am entering into my second year of service. 

As a side hustle, I enjoy working out and empowering women from all over the world to be the best version of themselves through health and fitness! Before I transitioned into the Peace Corps, I created a Women's hiking group that was established in St. Louis called Women in Nature (W.I.N) where women were able to connect, physically, mentally and emotionally through hiking and nature. I am passionate about human rights and promoting diversity!

BGLL: What is your most notable accomplishment to date?

Nandi: I would say that my most proud and notable accomplishment has been being the first-generation college graduate from my family. I was able to pave the way and help my younger brothers see that there are other opportunities and goals that we can achieve. I would also say overcoming the fear and making the decision to move to a different country without any previous overseas travels has been a notable accomplishment that I cherish deeply. 

BGLL: How did you learn Spanish? Do you know any other languages?

Nandi: I learned to speak Spanish when I moved to Costa Rica back in 2018, and ever since then I have been fully immersed in it. For where I am now, the biggest opportunity that I have been able to take advantage of, has been connecting with the beautiful people in my community (Limon, Costa Rica) through the language. Being able to relate and share experiences, cultures and dreams, through something so sacred as language, has motivated me to go beyond my comfort zone and to push my limits.

At the moment, Spanish is the only language I am currently learning and I have been able to utilize my Spanish speaking skills in the work that I do here as a Peace Corps Volunteer, connect with individuals within my community and inspire other women like myself to pick up a second language. 

BGLL: Did you ever feel too shy to speak Spanish? How did you overcome it?

Nandi: Before moving to Costa Rica, I didn't know any Spanish at all. I believe that not having been previously familiar with the language caused me to be very shy whenever I had to speak it. I think the way I eventually overcame this, was by owning where I am in my language learning process. Once I realized that I am not perfect, the journey took process. By embracing that, then and only then was I able to speak, make mistakes and be absolutely okay with the beauty of the imperfection. I became quick to tell native Spanish speakers that "I am still learning so I know I may sound crazy to you at times" and often times they laugh, which helps lighten up conversations, receive help, and release the tension on my end. 

BGLL: What was the hardest thing about learning Spanish?

Nandi: The hardest struggle with learning Spanish for me has been training my ear to match the speed of a native Spanish speaker. Often times people seem to speak very fast to me but I have overcome this by asking people to repeat themselves and also listening to music and reading books in Spanish. I have always been intrigued with the Latin culture and inspired to learn the Spanish language, so moving to Costa Rica as a Peace Corps Volunteer, receiving language training, and having to do all of my work in Spanish has really played a big part of my language learning journey. As I mentioned before, I became fully immersed in it which I believe is the best way to learn any language.

BGLL: What three tips would you give to others who are learning another language?

Nandi:  JUST START....don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect tutor. Do it yourself, research a new word or phrase every day in the language you want to learn and go from there. FIND A FRIEND WHO SPEAKS THE LANGUAGE....If you can, find a friend who can help you and answer any questions that you may have about learning your new language. If you can't find anyone, utilize the internet and social media to meet people who can!! TRUST THE PROCESS. You have to trust the process, believe in your abilities and practice. It won't come easy. The first year will probably be the hardest, but as long as you know that you are capable of achieving your goals in your language learning journey, that's all you need to focus on. Trust the process and have fun doing so!!

BGLL: How can we find you on social media?

Nandi: Follow me on Instagram @naturalnandi. I would also like to share that for the month of February, I did a Black and Bilingual Women's series where each day, I highlighted a woman of the African diaspora on my Instagram page! I have been able to connect with amazing women who live all over the world, who speak so many different languages, and they, too, are sharing their language learning journey and creating black history in the countries and communities where they live! 

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6/05/2020

Inspired By A TV Show

Imagine being fluent in another language and being inspired to take on another just by watching a TV show. That’s what happened with Iye. Read on to find out how she mastered Spanish, what show made her want to learn Norwegian and her tips for becoming fluent in any language.

BGLL: Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

IYE: My name is Iye Bako, I’m from Columbus, Ohio, I am Nigerian, and English is my native language.  I have a Bachelor of Arts in Iberian Spanish Literature with a minor in International Business and Fashion Design & Merchandising from The Ohio State University. I’m an Executive Office Analyst for escalated mortgage inquires, which involves researching and potential resolving bank errors that are a risk to the company. I’m an aspiring actress, currently taking acting classes and auditioning for commercials and films. I also have a side business as a Social Media Marketer. I teach entrepreneurs how to use social media to increase their followers and sales.  

BGLL: Which languages do you speak?

IYE: I'm fluent in Spanish. Currently, I teach Spanish classes at my job as part of a Business Resource Group to help my peers learn additional skills for their work. I used to work in a bilingual call center. I do still speak to customers over the phone in Spanish as an Executive Office Analyst. I’m also currently learning Norwegian.

BGLL: How did you get started with Spanish? What made you want to start learning Norwegian?

IYE: I got started in Spanish because I love Latin music and culture and I wanted to make the connection with Spanish speakers since Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in the U.S. outside of English and I knew it would be useful for business and leisure. I started studying Spanish as part of my major and studied abroad at the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico for one semester. Additionally, I created my own immersion environment at home listening to music, watching Spanish TV shows, and connecting with native speakers through online language exchange groups. Creating an immersion environment is my method for learning all languages.

I got into Norwegian for fun because I’ve always desired to be a polyglot. I was inspired by a popular TV show in Norway called Skam. It was initially popular for teenagers then it spread worldwide to audiences of all ages because of the great acting, storylines, and characters. Right now, I’m focused on using Duolingo, but it’s not a standalone resource. So, I watch YouTube heavily especially Norwegian teacher channels. I also listen to Norwegian podcasts, watch Skam, and I’m starting a journal to practice writing. I also plan to travel to Norway one day for vacation. I love connecting with people of different cultures, so I expect to make Norwegian friends online even before I visit Norway.

BGLL: Which language is your favorite and why?

IYE: Definitely Spanish! I’ve made so many Spanish speaking friends and I’ve traveled to Mexico, Chile, and Argentina. I love the culture, the people, the food, and the scenery of each of the places I’ve been. I have so many more Spanish speaking countries on my list.

BGLL: What three tips can you offer those who are trying to learn another language?

IYE: Find some type of content in your target language that you’re passionate about and binge it. Whether it’s music, tv, or books. Repetition helps. The more obsessed you are about diving into something that you enjoy, the higher the chances that you’ll stick with it. Make friends!! Don’t be shy. Even if you can’t speak at first, ask them to help you with your pronunciation, teach you some words, or correct your written practice. It can’t hurt. Get immersed in the culture. Make the food. Practice some of their traditions. When you feel that personal connection you’ll be more motivated. Trust and believe!  

BGLL: How can we keep up with you on social media?

IYE: My website for my Social Media Marketing business is www.iyebako.com and my Instagram is @iyebako. To follow my Norwegian learning journey, my Instagram is @iye.learns.norsk.

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