Getting Rid Of The Language Barrier!

_{Porapak Apichodilok}

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Being able to speak more than one language is pretty cool, and this is not just because you get to be able to speak something different. But when you take the time to learn a new language, you actually learn not just the language but also the way of life of the owners of that language.

Every language has a culture that is rich and full of lessons for anyone that is willing to take out time to learn it. And if there’s one thing I’ve noticed, people are exceptionally friendly when strangers speak the same language as them.

In the market, you might be able to get a cheaper bargain just because you spoke the same language as the trader. Or you might find favor with someone because they happen to speak your language. There is this connection we find, a sort of bond that links people that speak the same language. And when you take out time to learn it, you’ll find it easier to blend in and make a part of the circle.

For me, I speak three languages fluently. I’m Igbo, but I grew up In Lagos, so I speak Yoruba and Igbo fluently. That’s like a default setting for me, hehe. And also, in my country Nigeria, English is our official language, and I’ve been learning that since I could learn the word school. And it’s another language I speak very well. But then, if we are counting Pidgin English as well because I totally feel that should be considered as a language on its own. Then you can say that I speak four languages.

Wow… I think I’m spy material. I’m your favorite undercover agent, reporting for duty!

Well, that’s about all the languages I know. And there is one that I would very much still like to learn.

_Cottonbro

I think I’ve mentioned this before, I’m a huge fan of Korean Drama. I love watching their action dramas like Vincenzo, Vagabond, Duel, and what have you? I started watching Korean Drama during my secondary school days when series like Jumong and Man Called God first crossed into our borders.

And that was the start for me.

Actually, I’m not even the only one in my home that enjoys Korean Drama so much. All my sisters watch them a lot, or should I say too much. But they prefer romance and family drama. Yeah, the boring stuff. The only non-action K-Drama I watched and totally enjoyed was Penthouse, and till today all three seasons live rent-free in my head.

So now, after saying all this, I guess it would be of no surprise to you if I was to say that I would love to learn the language. And not just the language, but also a bit of their culture. Because when I watch them onscreen sometimes, there are some things that take place that I don’t really understand. There might be some subtle gestures that unless explained I won’t get it.

_{Tyler Wang}

Then, learning the language would permit me to be finally rid of subtitles. There are times that subtitles water down the story or make errors in the translation. Sometimes, subtitles take out time to explain some things that people not from the country don’t know so that they can understand the context in which that particular thing is used.

This has nothing to do with the language, but knowing these little things will help in better enjoyment indeed.

One of my sisters is already learning the language, she even has a Tiktok account where she gives her reviews on the latest Korean Drama she has seen.

For now, I have no idea how the future will be. I will keep on watching their movies and series, maybe getting familiar with some of their words and all. Doing the little I can for now.

But then, due to time constraints, especially these past few months I’ve not been able to watch movies as I used to. The next one on my list is the most recent Alchemy of Souls, from the way I’m seeing this, I’ll probably only be able to watch it from next month.

It’s been a while since I heard that language.

So, this is the language I would love to learn. There are other languages as well, like Spanish and maybe French. But Korean tops the chart. We’ll see how it goes.

_{Andrea Piacquadio}

Thank you for reading. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section, I’ll love to know what you think. See you in the next post.

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_{This post was inspired by the third topic for the week which is Being Bilingual. Feel free to take part.}

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_{Borderimage credit: @deimage.}