MALIA RILEY

[maliaovercash]

Language + Heritage

Language learning has always been really hard for me, and I am starting to believe that maybe it is because I am not studying/ attempting to study, languages that I have a connection to. Finding motivation while learning French is the hardest part for me. in the back of my mind a question constantly lingers. That question is. "why are you learning this there is literally no point". Maybe if I focused my time on learning Ilocano, I could succeed and make it further in the learning process. It will also allow me to connect with my heritage and build that sense of belonging I have always been missing. It would also give me the opportunity to learn more about the culture as a whole, and potentially set me up for success if I am ever to go visit one day.

#movingtoanewlanguage #heritage #wheredoibelong

[maliaovercash]

Plurilingualism

Before taking my SLS 250 course, I had never even heard of the term "plurilingualism", and I do not think that many people have. When my professor first said it, I kind of giggled a bit, not because I thought it was funny but more so, I was surprised? I kind of thought he was joking and made up a funny word to try to intrigue us. Turns out, this word encompass a lot of what I had been feelings in the past and currently, whilst learning French. Like I have said previously, I was introduced to languages at a young age; these two languages were Ilocano, from my grandfather who was born and raised in the Philippines, and Unangam Tunuu, the native language of the town I grew up in on the Aleutian Chain of Alaska. I knew a few words here and there in each but never enough for me to speak even relatively fluently, so I thought it didn't matter, and was not significant that I knew even some. However, the word pluriligualism gives propose to the small amounts of knowledge one might have in a second, third, or fourth language. It rightfully represents the fact that you can still have large takeaways and cultural growth even when only knowing bits and pieces of a language.

[maliaovercash]

Understanding My Place in Language

After doing some thinking and reflecting on the topics discussed in my second languages class, I think I am beginning to feel slightly more motivated to continue my practice of the French language. I think that because I was exposed to multiple cultures and languages at such a young age, but was not properly taught them because it was not "relevant" enough for me to learn, my perspective on language learning has been effected. I find myself questioning why I would even learn something I would never use, or have no relation too, or that is what I thought anyways before doing some reflecting. After doing some research I have found that French is actually a pretty widely spoken language, as someone who does want to make their way around the world one day, this was reassuring; I started to realize that maybe I would get more use out of this than I had originally thought. I also have learned through my class that learning a second language has more positive affects than just having a second language under your belt. Language learning can promote creativity, critical thinking, and overall better brain function. It forces us to forcefully use our brains to extents we did not even know were possible. I find comfort in knowing that even though I am struggling to learn the language in full, I am still expanding my knowledge and brain power without even realizing it. Finding the little things to motivate me is extremely important through this process, because it is not an easy one! So this was a big win.

[maliaovercash]

Currently in French 102, we have a test on Tuesday next week and I feel so lost! I love learning the French language but I am constantly falling behind. I feel like everyone in my class catches on to things very quickly and comprehends everything fairly well in comparison to myself. I find myself questioning why it is so incredibly difficult for me to learn a second language, whilst others learn so quickly. It often times makes me want to give up, especially because I am not emotionally or culturally connected to the language at all. I think I might need to find a more meaningful purpose in learning this language in order to find the motivation to push through the struggles. I just feel like I am the only person in the world who cannot get the hang of it, and it is very frustrating.

#french #learner #triptofrance?

[maliaovercash]

Bonjour, Je m'appelle Malia! (Hello my name is Malia). I am in the beginning stages of learning the French language. I think that this blog will help me learn more about French and connect with others who are trying to learn as well. Passe une bonne journée (have a good day)!