Thank you for sharing this update! That was really interesting.
You ask, 'Do people actually enjoy learning a language for their whole lives?'
Personally, I definitely do. While I enjoy the small victories and love being able to use a language once I reach an intermediate level, I mostly enjoy the process itself. In fact, I probably enjoy the process more than any result. I guess this is because I don't have any particular goal when learning a language. I enjoy reaching new milestones, but these are not goals that I set; they just happen at some point after I have been learning for a certain amount of time.
So, to get back to your question: Yes, it seems like there are some people like that!
What's nice, though, is that we are all so different and learn in various ways — some enjoy the concrete results more, some have most joy in the process regardless of the results. That's the beauty of it I guess! :)
You are definitely that person.. haha. Well, i just want those 8. All my languages are like kids that i have to raise. I cant wait to get them to 18 years old for them to be independent!
Ahaha I'm actually working pretty hard! I registered for a German Stammtisch next Thursday and I'm documenting how I'm preparing myself through journaling in German on YT. Of course the algorithm hasn't been algo-ing lately, but I sensed and read around that you really need a critical mass of videos before getting any traction. So, here I am, keeping grinding.
To be honest at the moment I'm just going all-in on Italian stuff because in the last year it's been the one working best for my business, I had tried to do some videos in English in the past but they didn't work out very well even when it was easier to get some views. I want to do a bunch of stuff in Italian until it starts "sort of working" (at least for the next three months) and then I'll see. Maybe I'll have some new videos in English later on, but right now I really need to just stick to one thing and let it "function". Fingers crossed
¡Qué disciplina, Shamar! Chapeau ! Y claro, cuando quieras hablar un rato, será un placer que nos acompañes en los coffee chats. Sin duda tendrás muchas cosas interesantes que compartir. (Por cierto, también estoy segura de que no tendremos problemas para entender tu pronunciación. Así que si te animas antes de febrero, we're all about that stress-free, judgement-free vibe)
Your process is incredible! I am not sure what to ask you about all this, as there is so much interesting stuff in this post. One thought popped up: how do you keep each language from leaking into another? Do you find you mix them up when speaking? I only have 4 languages of varying degrees of proficiency, and I still manage to create a melange of them all. Also, I could help you with your French pronunciation issues; I have lots of good fixes for the sounds you mentioned. Given the intensity of your study protocol, I think my fixes will be quick and easy for you to learn.
For your question, I don't stop leakage. I just accept that it will happen. Most conversations for me are not that serious that a little Spanish escaping into my French is gonna change much in terms of the value of the conversation. I even find leakage in my 2 native languages sometimes. I don't mind mixing them. In fact, most of my friends are multilingual, so they appreciate the mixing of languages.
In terms of pronunciation issues, I am pretty much frustrated with that. But I'll give it a last go this month before I give up on it.
Yeah. Generally, your native language doesn't leak (unless you have more than one and used to using both) into other languages i find. But you will have leakage amongst the languages you learn later. I haven't researched anything in regards to stopping the mixture.
I was always told to just switch between them from time to time and it will happen. This is an experiment I would love to carry out next year if I get the opportunity. ( a simultaneous convo with a French and a Spanish speaker and being able to switch without mixing...eventually).
Thank you for sharing this update! That was really interesting.
You ask, 'Do people actually enjoy learning a language for their whole lives?'
Personally, I definitely do. While I enjoy the small victories and love being able to use a language once I reach an intermediate level, I mostly enjoy the process itself. In fact, I probably enjoy the process more than any result. I guess this is because I don't have any particular goal when learning a language. I enjoy reaching new milestones, but these are not goals that I set; they just happen at some point after I have been learning for a certain amount of time.
So, to get back to your question: Yes, it seems like there are some people like that!
What's nice, though, is that we are all so different and learn in various ways — some enjoy the concrete results more, some have most joy in the process regardless of the results. That's the beauty of it I guess! :)
You are definitely that person.. haha. Well, i just want those 8. All my languages are like kids that i have to raise. I cant wait to get them to 18 years old for them to be independent!
I love that analogy of yours and totally get that feeling of wanting to have the kids out of the house and independent 😂
Ahaha I'm actually working pretty hard! I registered for a German Stammtisch next Thursday and I'm documenting how I'm preparing myself through journaling in German on YT. Of course the algorithm hasn't been algo-ing lately, but I sensed and read around that you really need a critical mass of videos before getting any traction. So, here I am, keeping grinding.
https://youtu.be/mSfPi7hCeBI
The meticulousness of your tracking system is baffling!
Sweet. So I can spy on you. haha. I might just pick up some Italian along with way since you keep flooding me with it. Where are your English content?
To be honest at the moment I'm just going all-in on Italian stuff because in the last year it's been the one working best for my business, I had tried to do some videos in English in the past but they didn't work out very well even when it was easier to get some views. I want to do a bunch of stuff in Italian until it starts "sort of working" (at least for the next three months) and then I'll see. Maybe I'll have some new videos in English later on, but right now I really need to just stick to one thing and let it "function". Fingers crossed
Ahahaha I can already feel your breath on my neck!! I need to get to work!!!
No. You dont need to. Just take a break for December. It's almost Christmas after all. Your german studies can be restarted in January. :)
:D
¡Qué disciplina, Shamar! Chapeau ! Y claro, cuando quieras hablar un rato, será un placer que nos acompañes en los coffee chats. Sin duda tendrás muchas cosas interesantes que compartir. (Por cierto, también estoy segura de que no tendremos problemas para entender tu pronunciación. Así que si te animas antes de febrero, we're all about that stress-free, judgement-free vibe)
Thank you Bianca!.. I've been wanting to join you guys for a while. But I will soon provided that we are all in good health in 2026. :)
Your process is incredible! I am not sure what to ask you about all this, as there is so much interesting stuff in this post. One thought popped up: how do you keep each language from leaking into another? Do you find you mix them up when speaking? I only have 4 languages of varying degrees of proficiency, and I still manage to create a melange of them all. Also, I could help you with your French pronunciation issues; I have lots of good fixes for the sounds you mentioned. Given the intensity of your study protocol, I think my fixes will be quick and easy for you to learn.
Bonjour Lisa,
For your question, I don't stop leakage. I just accept that it will happen. Most conversations for me are not that serious that a little Spanish escaping into my French is gonna change much in terms of the value of the conversation. I even find leakage in my 2 native languages sometimes. I don't mind mixing them. In fact, most of my friends are multilingual, so they appreciate the mixing of languages.
In terms of pronunciation issues, I am pretty much frustrated with that. But I'll give it a last go this month before I give up on it.
Oh interesting, my native tongue doesn’t leak in at all!
Yeah. Generally, your native language doesn't leak (unless you have more than one and used to using both) into other languages i find. But you will have leakage amongst the languages you learn later. I haven't researched anything in regards to stopping the mixture.
I was always told to just switch between them from time to time and it will happen. This is an experiment I would love to carry out next year if I get the opportunity. ( a simultaneous convo with a French and a Spanish speaker and being able to switch without mixing...eventually).