| Learning a foreign language is, in my opinion, one of the most useful and fulfilling things a person can do. Being able to speak another language allows you to break down barriers that could stand in the way of blossoming new relationships, life-changing journeys, and thought provoking experiences. Learning a new language doesn't just increase the words coming from your mouth, it introduces you to a whole new way of life and hands you the key to the cultural lock. While science has disproved that you can't completely not "teach an old dog new tricks", but it is also widely known that learning a new language young is a much easier and arguably more natural process. So, I decided that I wanted to share my love of language and culture with my youngest brother, William. Will is eight years old and not the best reader or speller, so at first I wondered if a whole new language would overwhelm him even more and force him to shut down. Then one day he asked me to grab a DVD for him, and when I returned with it in hand, he took it, and replied with a "gracis" and I realized what my plan of attack would be. Instead of focusing more on intense memorization and practice, I'm taking a more indigenous approach: gradual learning and situational usage of the Spanish language as well as the melding of American and Spanish customs and culture in the household. Let me explain. Mixing Spanish words and phrases into everyday life so that William can observe and pick up on what is used when and through those observations, develop an understanding of the language. The culture is easy enough to mix into our everyday life at home; eating spanish foods like Zarangollo and listening celebrating festivities such as El Dia de Los Muertos. I checked a few Spanish children books from the local library that I plan on reading with Will. Hopefully he'll associate the images and emotion in my voice while reading with the "translation" of the phrases. My Spanish reading comprehension should also improve from this, so it should be a learning journey for both of us! |