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What They Don’t Teach You in Language Schools
Three pragmatic language lessons I learned following casual conversations with native and non-native speakers
I have a confession to make. I am not proud of the fact that I am anything but fluent in my favorite language.
I speak Spanish up to a decent level. I can also read and write in the language to a certain extent. My colleagues and friends believe my command of the language is great, but I am aware it is not true.
It is a fact that I learned Spanish up to a certain level. Having said that, it is also true that I have unlearned a fair bit, considering that I do not have to make use of the language on a regular basis.
My initial efforts to learn (and use) Spanish straddled across continents. I picked up a bit over multiple vacations in the Iberian Peninsula and also while being stationed for an indefinite period (for work) in the United Kingdom. Later, I got an opportunity to make use of what I had learned during a study program in the United States.
No points for guessing; my continued fascination with Spanish led me to an obvious destination. Yes, I indeed enrolled in a language school and attended regular classes three times a week.
