Bilingual

One of my 2017 goals is to speak Spanish fluently. I am relatively familiar with the language and have always been drawn to it. Someone referred me to a free app that she used to learn Portuguese and I have been using it to help me achieve my goal. It's great because I don't have to memorize a bunch of vocabulary or grammar rules. I just go through the exercises for a few minutes each day and learn from my successes and mistakes. When I do have a question that requires a bit more explanation, there is a forum that I can refer to just in case someone else has already brought up the same inquiry.

Last night as I was practicing, I came across the word "planes". When I first read it I thought of the mode of transportation that gets someone from one place to another via the skies. However, when I remembered that I was learning another language, I realized that the word was the plural of plans. It made me think of how often it is easy for two people to look at the same thing and draw a different interpretation. It also made me think of how important it is for the same two people to have an understanding of what language they are speaking.

In Christian circles it is common to discuss the five love languages as taught in the book by Gary Chapman. For those of you that have never heard of this, it is a way for people to understand how they receive love. It breaks down the demonstration and receipt of love into five categories: words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch, and gifts. There is even a test that you can take that will determine the ranking of each love language. (These love languages can be different depending upon the type relationship. For the purposes of this blog post I am going to be referring to relationships with loved ones.) Typically someone demonstrates love in the way they best receive it; however this is not necessarily the most effective way depending upon the recipient. For example if my love language is acts of service, I would naturally do various things for my husband because I am subconsciously showing him how I would like to receive love. The problem with this is if his primary love language is quality time, he may appreciate all of the things I am doing for him but it is not something he considers as an act of love; thus, not filling that void.

One of the most challenging things about learning a new language is thinking in that new language. At this point when I hear a Spanish phrase, I mentally translate it to English, formulate the response in English, and then translate that response into Spanish before attempting to speak in Spanish. As I continute to practice, I know that I will begin to think in Spanish so that it can become second-nature to me. The same is true regarding love languages. Initially the thought process will probably go something like this, " I want to show Jane love. Her love language is gifts. What kind of gift do I buy?" "I want to show John love. His love language is quality time. How can I spend quality time with him?" You may even do research on ideas and best practices of each language. (Pinterest board anyone?) Over time and with practice, patience, and guidance, demonstrating love in the appropriate language will come much easier because you will begin to think in the langauage of the recipient regardless of what your primary language may be. I encourage you to take the time to discover not only your own love language but the language of your loved one. Then, begin to put forth the necessary effort to become proficient in that language. Allow them to applaud your successes and show you the areas that need improvement. Ask questions and don't be discouraged when you make a mistake. Keep working on it for a few minutes each day and in no time, you will become fluent.

#speak #language #love #relationships