I have started learning German seriously for the first time since I took it for my GCSEs.
This may turn into a series, but I'm not entirely sure at the moment. I feel this is worth documenting, because learning a language is a journey (a long one at that). To then learn a second is a completely different journey unto itself.
Once we have learnt our first language, we can utilise our understanding of that language to analyse and create patterns between the two; perhaps meaning that we can ‘join the dots’ quicker. That's not to say that learning a second language is any easier, but it is something I have observed in the last few weeks.
When I say I have started learning German, it doesn't mean I'm any good! Although — if I had to pick between French, Spanish or German, say — it seems that I have started to pick up the German much easier than any other language I've tried to learn (through that was through school, and that's barely anything more than a few hours, here and there, once the annoying students have shut up at the back). I am finding the more I learn, the more questions I have; finding a solution, only to find another question. But then again, that is the process of learning, the journey of learning, is an endless one (except perhaps in death).
The idea of learning needn’t be something met with a sigh of despair, because learning is finding out about yourself as much as it is about a particular subject. Within that, is how you connect with the same topic. As I said earlier, I started learning German in secondary school, and then continued learning it for my GCSEs, but sacrificed a better understanding (and, therefore, a better grade). Now that I'm older, I feel that I have more autonomy over how and why I spend my time on certain things, including spending some of my spare time trying to learn German as best as I can.
It is a passing thought that I could potentially go on extended holidays — or even live in Germany — should the opportunity arise. I also feel as an English teacher that it is quite useful to have an interest in languages in general; how they are put together, how they are structured. I believe this is partly where anyone's passion for English comes from: even if someone says they like English (as in the subject) for the sake of reading books, there is an element of liking language entwined within this. Otherwise we wouldn't read.
I would consider myself a lower level intermediate learner of German. This is because I have an understanding, or grasp, of the tenses and the surrounding nuances. It is the Case system, and the word endings, that throw me off. Perhaps this detracts from my overall understanding. Especially as we don't use a Case system in the same way in English.
However, as I said earlier, that difference is quite interesting to analyse, since we do have Cases in English, but we disregard them to the point where we potentially don't even notice them. I say all this as a native speaker of English, who wasn't taught the language from a linguistic point of view.
Cases and verb endings are definitely what's holding me back at the minute. This is because I am hesitant about the idea of extending my sentences, and expanding my expression, if I can't properly grasp the use of verb-endings. However, as with anything, I know that will come with time. I just need to give myself a chance, and work slowly, but carefully.
Coming back to languages has really made me realise how much I enjoy learning new languages — even if it is just a few phrases here and there. As I've alluded to before, learning languages really shapes how I perceive English and — in some ways — how English is easier than other languages. Also acknowledging how English can be hard, and how the said new language is slightly different.
I find myself mentally trying to bridge that gap between how I would say something in English, and how something is to be said in German. More often than not, sentences don't literally translate: sometimes in another language, something completely different is said (within the language) to mean the same thing.
I find it particularly difficult when in English, we will say what could be said to be a straightforward sentence, and then in German it comes across as much longer. That can be very confusing. Like, why are there so many words, when it feels like there shouldn't be? Then I remind myself that German is a different language to English (as obvious asd that might sound!)
What I'm trying to say is, part of the learning process is the balancing of my ‘German brain’ and my ‘English brain’ — and trying to utilise the two, but keep them separate. Maintaining my curiosity is important in seeing that my language skills develop.
I have to say that when I've been practising German, it is a relief to go back to the feeling of familiarity that English provides. This is because I'm obviously used to English and it is second nature. Speaking, reading, and writing German takes more energy, because I'm still trying to connect the dots and recognise patterns. Reading up on this emotional and mental strain, apparently the more fluent you become. And the more familiar the language becomes, the less energy it requires. Which makes complete sense.
By teaching myself another language and being consistent with my exposure to German, I can become more familiar with nuances within the language. What do I mean by this? How German that is taught — and how German is actually spoken in Germany — is often quite different. Sometimes the words and phrases can change according to colloquialism.
Very confusing, but all part of the process!
Only by surrounding yourself with native speakers — and how they use German — can you really develop your own personality within a new language.
Part of me also feels bad that other countries (on the whole) learn English because it is seen as the universal language. So, I feel learning German to a proficient level is very important. I appreciate the fact that other countries speak English, so it feels like I am giving something back in that way.
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